Release of Information Form Template for the UK

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What is a Release of Information Form?

A release of information form is a short document that gives formal, written permission for one organisation to share your personal details with a named recipient. It states exactly what can be shared, who receives it, why, and for how long. In the UK these forms protect both the organisation holding your records and you as the data subject under privacy law, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR.

This form template spells out the categories of information covered, the person or organisation authorised to receive it, and the duration of the permission. You might use one when asking for medical records to be sent to a new provider, sharing employment details with a landlord or lender, or allowing a school to release academic results. You can withdraw the permission at any time by notifying the holding organisation in writing. For a wider set of related documents, browse GenieAI's consent form templates.

Sample clauses: standard wording in a UK release of information form

3. Scope of Authorised Disclosure
3.1 I authorise [Name of Holding Organisation] (the "Holder") to disclose to [Name of Recipient] only the following personal data relating to me: [description of records or categories of information, for example GP records covering the period [start date] to [end date]].
3.2 The disclosure is authorised solely for the following purpose: [state purpose, for example continuity of clinical care, tenancy referencing or verification of academic results], and I do not consent to the use or onward disclosure of the information for any other purpose.
3.3 Where the information includes special category data within the meaning of Article 9 of the UK GDPR, including data concerning my health, I confirm that I give my explicit consent to its disclosure on the terms of this form.
3.4 The Holder shall not disclose any information falling outside clause 3.1, and shall redact or withhold any third party information which cannot lawfully be disclosed.

5. Duration and Withdrawal of Consent
5.1 This authorisation takes effect on [date] and, unless withdrawn earlier, expires on the earlier of [expiry date] and the completion of the purpose stated in clause 3.2.
5.2 I may withdraw my consent at any time by written notice to the Holder at [address or email], and withdrawal is as straightforward as giving consent in the first place.
5.3 Withdrawal takes effect on receipt and does not affect the lawfulness of any disclosure made in reliance on this authorisation before that time.
5.4 The Holder shall record the date of any withdrawal and shall notify [Name of Recipient] within [5] working days that no further information is to be provided.

Illustrative extract showing typical drafting under the law of England and Wales. Documents generated with GenieAI are tailored to your rules, standards and context.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you use a Release of Information Form?

Use a release of information form whenever you're sharing sensitive personal records with a third party in the UK. This comes up when transferring medical records between healthcare providers, sharing educational results with a prospective employer, or providing financial details to a mortgage lender.

The form matters most when the records are protected under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Insurance companies often require one to access a medical history, employers may need one to verify past employment, and professional teams use one to obtain records for a specific purpose. It also has everyday commercial uses: releasing a support or payment history to a customer, sharing a survey response or account report, or confirming the condition of a product to a supplier. In each case, share only what's necessary for the stated purpose. Signing it upfront prevents delays and keeps the disclosure compliant. If you need help drafting or reviewing yours, a GenieAI legal agent produces a tailored, ready-to-sign form template and can flag any field that needs your attention before you send it. You can start from a free template and adapt it to your own rules.

What are the different types of Release of Information Form?

Who should typically use a Release of Information Form?

  • Data Controllers: Organisations like NHS trusts, schools, or businesses that hold personal information and need authorisation to share it.
  • Data Subjects: Individuals whose personal information is being shared, who must give informed consent via the Release of Information Form. This includes a patient authorising their health records to move, or a customer releasing an account or payment record.
  • Third-Party Recipients: Organisations receiving the information, such as insurance companies, employers, or other healthcare providers.
  • Legal Representatives: Solicitors who draft and review these forms to ensure GDPR compliance and protect client interests.
  • Compliance Officers: Internal staff who oversee proper handling of information releases and maintain data protection policy and standards.

How do you write a Release of Information Form?

  • Basic Details: Gather full names, addresses, and contact information for all parties involved in the information release.
  • Information Scope: Clearly specify what data will be shared, including date ranges and any specific exclusions.
  • Purpose Statement: Document the exact reason for sharing information and how it will be used.
  • Time Limits: Set clear start and end dates for the authorization period.
  • Access Methods: Define how information will be transmitted and who can access it.
  • Data Protection: Include GDPR-compliant privacy statements and data handling procedures.
  • Verification Process: Plan how you'll confirm the identity of all signing parties.

What fields should a release of information form template include?

  • Identity Details: Full legal names and contact information of all parties, including the data controller and recipient.
  • Consent Statement: Clear, explicit permission language that meets GDPR Article 7 requirements.
  • Information Scope: Precise description of what data will be shared, including any limitations or exclusions.
  • Time Parameters: Specific dates for when the authorization begins and ends.
  • Rights Notice: Statement of the data subject's right to withdraw consent and how to do so.
  • Data Protection: Description of security measures and compliance with UK data protection laws.
  • Signature Block: Space for dated signatures, including witness provisions if required.

What's the difference between a Release of Information Form and a Consent Form?

A Release of Information Form is often confused with a Consent Form, but they serve distinct purposes in UK law. While both involve permissions, their scope and application differ significantly.

  • Specificity and Scope: Release forms specifically authorize sharing particular information with named third parties, while consent forms cover broader permissions for various activities or data uses.
  • Duration and Revocation: Release forms typically have defined time limits and specific purposes, whereas consent forms often remain active until explicitly withdrawn.
  • Legal Framework: Release forms focus on GDPR and Data Protection Act compliance for information sharing, while consent forms can cover various legal requirements beyond data protection.
  • Usage Context: Release forms are common in healthcare, education, and professional settings for transferring specific records. Consent forms appear in marketing, research, and general business operations.

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Reviewed by

Swetha Meenal

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

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A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Imad Mohammed Nazar

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

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A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Jurisdiction

England & Wales

Publisher

GenieAI

Category

Forms

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Release of Information Form

  • Basic Details: Gather full names, addresses, and contact information for all parties involved in the information release.
  • Information Scope: Clearly specify what data will be shared, including date ranges and any specific exclusions.
  • Purpose Statement: Document the exact reason for sharing information and how it will be used.
  • Time Limits: Set clear start and end dates for the authorization period.
  • Access Methods: Define how information will be transmitted and who can access it.
  • Data Protection: Include GDPR-compliant privacy statements and data handling procedures.
  • Verification Process: Plan how you'll confirm the identity of all signing parties.

All Release of Information Form templates

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