What is the difference?

A Goodwill Letter / Letter of Intent is prepared by the researcher when approaching an organisation, institution, facility, research site or relevant authority. It introduces the proposed research and communicates the researcher's intention to conduct the study at or with the organisation. It is used to request the organisation's willingness to consider supporting the research, providing access or facilitating the study.

A Permission Letter is provided by the organisation, institution, facility, research site or relevant authority in response to the researcher's request. It formally confirms that the organisation grants permission for the proposed research to be conducted at or through the relevant site, subject to any conditions specified by the organisation and the necessary ethical and institutional approvals.

These letters serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable. Researchers should confirm the specific requirements of the organisation, research site, relevant authority and ethics committee before submitting their documentation.

A Goodwill Letter / Letter of Intent does not itself constitute permission to conduct the research. Where formal site permission is required, the researcher should obtain a signed Permission Letter from an appropriately authorised representative before commencing research activities at the site.

Download the relevant template

Download Goodwill / Letter of Intent Template → 

Download Permission Letter Template →