A Consent Form for Marketing or Sensitive Data Processing is a document used to obtain explicit permission from an individual to collect, store, and use their personal or sensitive information for defined purposes.

This type of consent is a legal requirement under the UK GDPR, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, and similar privacy laws around the world. For businesses, charities, or service providers handling customer or client data, having a clear and lawful consent form is essential to demonstrate compliance, build trust, and protect privacy rights.

Whether you’re sending marketing emails, processing demographic data, or managing subscriptions, a Consent Form helps ensure that your organisation only uses data in ways that the individual has clearly agreed to.

What is a Consent Form for data processing or marketing?

A Consent Form is a document or digital record where individuals actively agree to allow an organisation to use their personal data for specific purposes—typically marketing, service delivery, or regulatory obligations. It outlines who is collecting the data (the data controller), what data is being collected, how it will be used, how long it will be stored, and what rights the individual has regarding their data.

Unlike passive or assumed consent, a valid Consent Form must involve an active step—such as ticking a box or submitting a form—and must be separate from other terms and conditions. The individual must understand what they are agreeing to and have the option to withdraw consent at any time.

Why is a Consent Form important?

Obtaining clear and informed consent is more than a legal obligation—it’s a core part of respectful and transparent data handling. A properly drafted Consent Form:

• Helps your organisation comply with data protection laws such as the UK GDPR.
• Provides proof that users willingly agreed to receive marketing or have their data processed.
• Builds user confidence by showing you respect their privacy and are transparent about how data is used.
• Reduces the risk of fines or enforcement action from regulatory bodies.
• Clarifies the individual’s rights and your organisation’s responsibilities.

Create your Consent Form easily with Bind

Using Bind, you can generate a clear, GDPR-compliant Consent Form in just a few minutes. Whether you’re collecting emails for marketing, storing customer profiles, or handling sensitive information, Bind helps you create a tailored form that meets all key legal and ethical standards.

The form includes standard sections such as the purpose of data collection, types of data, data controller information, individual rights, and instructions on how to provide or withdraw consent. You can also link to your Privacy Policy, edit the language to suit your industry, and use the form in both online and offline formats.

What happens if you don’t use a Consent Form?

Failing to collect clear, specific consent can have serious consequences. Without proper documentation, you may not be able to legally send marketing emails, process sensitive data, or defend your practices if a complaint arises.

Under the UK GDPR and similar laws, individuals have the right to challenge how their data is used. If you cannot demonstrate valid consent, your organisation could face regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and the loss of user trust.

A Consent Form is not just a formality—it is essential for ethical data use and business integrity.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need consent for all types of data processing?
No. Consent is one of several legal bases for processing data under GDPR. However, it is required for certain activities such as direct marketing, processing special categories of data (e.g. health or ethnicity), or sharing data with third parties.

Can consent be withdrawn?
Yes. Individuals must be able to withdraw their consent at any time, and doing so should be as easy as giving it. Your form or communications should clearly explain how to do this.

Does pre-ticked consent count?
No. Consent must be given freely, specifically, and actively. Pre-ticked boxes or implied consent are not valid under the UK GDPR.

Should I store the consent form?
Yes. You should keep a record of how and when consent was given in case you need to demonstrate compliance to authorities.

Consent Form for Marketing and Data Processing – free template

By submitting this form or engaging with our services, you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your personal information as described below.

This consent is voluntary, and you can withdraw your consent at any time.

1. Data Controller Information
Organisation Name:
Contact Email:

2. Purpose of Data Collection
We collect your personal information to:

• […]
• […]

3. Types of Data Collected
We may collect:

• […]
• […]

4. Data Sharing
We do not share your personal data with third parties except:

As required by law or regulation and with trusted service providers for operational needs (e.g. payment processors).

5. Retention of Personal Data
Your data will be retained only as long as needed for the stated purposes or as required by law.

6. Your Rights
You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccuracies
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal limitations)
• Withdraw consent at any time

4. How to Provide Consent
By checking the appropriate consent box you are providing your explicit consent for the use of your data as described.

5. Withdrawal of Consent
You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at [e-mail] or by following the opt-out instructions in our communications.

6. Dispute Resolution
If you have concerns about your data, please contact us at [e-mail]. If unresolved, you may lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority.

7. Notice
The consent you provide remains valid until you withdraw it.

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Bind is the easiest way to create GDPR-compliant consent forms that protect your users and your organisation. Get started now with Bind and collect data the right way.