Official letters · Plain-English guide
What does “Prior written consent” mean?
Permission given in writing before an action takes place.
“Permission first. Action afterwards.” — Arthur
What it means in practice
This asks for written permission before doing something. A request for permission is different from receiving permission. The letter or agreement may specify who can authorise it and which form of writing is accepted.
An example and a clearer version
The original wording
You need prior written consent.
In plain English
You need written permission before you do this.
What to say instead
written permission beforehand.
How to make the next step clear
Check who must give permission, how to request it and whether conditions apply. If you are unsure whether an email is sufficient, ask the organisation to confirm its required process.
Wording you can adapt
Who must give written permission, and will confirmation by email meet your requirements?
The wording around a phrase matters. Keep the names, dates, amounts and conditions from the original when you rewrite it.
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