Signature Collection Question

Alternative evidence for electronic or digital signatures during coronavirus (COVID-19) restriction period

138. A wet signature is created when a person physically ‘marks’ a document. Where a provider has no digital or electronic systems and processes in place to capture a learner or employer signature, then under normal circumstances a wet signature is required for recruitment and evidence of continuing learning.
139. It is recognised that providers delivering training and/or recruiting learners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will experience difficulty in obtaining learner and employer wet signatures. Where providers do not have systems and processes in place for electronic/digital signatures, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, we will allow confirmation/evidence to be obtained through email as detailed below.
140. For the purpose of audit evidence, we expect a record of acknowledgement or adoption of a genuine electronic message or document. Acceptable alternative evidence includes:

• an email from the learner (or for work experience employer email address) with details of the confirmation and their typed name at the end of the message
• a typed name on an electronic form or document emailed from the learner
• a signed scanned document attached to an email from the learner; or
• a photo taken on a camera/digital medium of the signed document attached to an email from the learner

141. We are allowing institutions to use this type of electronic confirmation (as detailed above) during the period of restrictions due to coronavirus (COVID-19) only where no other useable digital or electronic processes exist. This is not to be used as alternative evidence as part of the institution’s business as usual process once the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are lifted.

HTH

Where I've worked with learners with multiple complex difficulties in the past, we've got their carer to sign on their behalf (with a note to explain) and, as email confirmation etc is equivalent to a wet signature, I'd use that in those (quite limited and carefully annotated!) circs? 

Are we still allowed to this ? I didn't think so

I suppose my question would be where does it say we can't? Again, only talking about very specific cases with appropriate notes, not wholescale use of it.

Its states COVID-19 Restriction period. I wasnt sure that still applied as a number of providers have resumed to face to delivery. We now use docusign, easier than emails.