What is Consent?

Consent is defined as permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something. It is a fundamental aspect of ethical interactions and is required to ensure that all parties are on the same page regarding any agreement or action.

Why Do We Need Consent at CN | CN?

Formal, written consent is required when our staff take specific actions on behalf of a client. Obtaining formal, written consent protects staff members if a client challenges an action taken on their behalf.

The most common types of consent we use include, but are not limited to:

We also use consent forms for interactions involving company employees or volunteers and referral partners.

    • Company: Refers to employees or volunteers of a specific company.

  • Referral Partners: Includes clients of Ontario Works (OW), Employment Ontario (EO), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

The most common types of consent we use include, but are not limited to:

    How Do We Obtain Signed Consent Forms?

    All current consent forms are available in the SignNow application. If a client does not have access to email or a smartphone to sign electronically using SignNow, fillable, printable PDF copies are also available in both French and English.

    Education & Training Advisors, as well as Directors of Recruitment & Partnerships, have a SignNow account linked to their territorial email address to create and send consent forms to clients.

    When to Use a Consent Form

    Use a consent form only when you need permission to take action on behalf of a client.

    • Consent Required: If you are meeting with a client (virtually or in person) and you are handling the registration, application, or account creation on their behalf—using the mouse or keyboard to click “submit,” “apply,” or “register”—you do need a consent form.

    • No Consent Required: If you are meeting with a client (virtually or in person) and the client is handling the registration, application, or account creation themselves—using the mouse or keyboard to click “submit,” “apply,” or “register”—you do not need a consent form.

    Every type of consent should start with a conversation between you and the client. The details of this conversation should be specific and documented clearly in the CRM.

    For “Consent to Register” and “Consent to Submit Application,” only include courses that have been previously discussed with the client on the consent form. Do not assume that a client wants to register for every course within a program. For example, if only five courses are required for a program like the Georgian Upskills Program, do not assume the client wants to register for all seven available courses.

    How Long is Consent Valid?

    All consent forms are valid for a maximum of two years from the date of signing or until the specified action is completed, whichever comes first.

      • If consent is still needed after two years or the specific action has been completed, a new consent form is required.

      • If a client has a valid consent form but does not complete their program or course and later wants to re-register or reapply, a new consent form is required.

      • Clients have the right to revoke consent at any time.

    • Consent cannot be requested for an indefinite period.

    Where Do We Store Consent Forms?

    • SignNow allows consent forms to be sent to the CRM territorial email queue. To attach a consent form to a client’s profile, simply add the client’s name to the “Regarding” field in the email. The consent form should then be saved in the Consent Form tab within the client’s profile.

    • If SignNow is not an option, a scanned copy of the completed fillable PDF consent form can be uploaded directly to the Consent Form tab in the client’s profile.

    • When a client completes a consent form via SignNow, it will appear in your CRM territory dashboard. To ensure the signed form appears in the client’s timeline, add the client’s name to the “Regarding” field.

    Last modified: Sunday, 5 January 2025, 10:38 AM