Consent to research: Valid consent

1. 1. Seeking consent is fundamental in research involving people. Participants’ consent is legally valid and professionally acceptable only if they have the capacity to decide whether to take part in the research, have been properly informed, and have agreed to participate without pressure or coercion.
2. 2. When conducting research involving people who cannot consent for themselves, you must follow the guidance that applies, such as the advice on research involving children or young people in paragraphs 14-20 and on adults who lack capacity in paragraphs 23-35.