Adobe Sign is a cloud-based e-signature service that allows users to send, sign, track, and manage signature processes using a web browser or mobile device. It replaces paper and ink signature processes with fully automated electronic signature workflows.

An electronic signature, or e-signature, is the equivalent of a handwritten signature on a document. It is a legal way to get consent or approval on online contracts or forms.

Rather than signing a hard copy document by hand with a pen, signatories can instead sign a Word or PDF document on an electronic device. While they can do this by simply adding a scanned copy of their signature into the signing box, software solutions such as Adobe Sign offer improved security and traceability around the signing of documents and provide a basic audit trail of each stage of workflow.

Yes. Electronic signatures are secure, auditable, and verifiable. Adobe Sign is also ISO 27001 certified.

Increasingly, the use of electronic signing software is the norm for universities signing day-to-day commercial documents such as research related contracts, services agreements, and consultancy.

Most legal documents entered into by the University and another party/parties will fall under the category of an agreement/simple contract.  These documents are suitable for electronic signatures.

Documents which must be executed as a Deed and are governed by the laws of Northern Ireland cannot be electronically signed.

Northern Irish law mandates the use of a Deed in certain transactions or circumstances. For further information on documents that must be executed by the University as a Deed, please contact legalservices@ulster.ac.uk

Documents executed as Deeds and governed by the laws of Northern Ireland should be signed by wet ink signature only and not by any form of electronic means.  For further information please view the Seal Guidance note or contact legalservices@ulster.ac.uk

If a Deed is governed by a law other than the law of Northern Ireland, please contact legalservices@ulster.ac.uk

Appropriate authorised signatories are listed within the University's Delegated Authority Framework.

If you have any queries over who is authorised to sign a document, please contact universitysecretary@ulster.ac.uk

Only staff whose role entails creating or distributing documents and forms that need to be signed electronically by external signatories will need Adobe Sign. For example, if your role entails the distribution of contract documents, then you are eligible for an Adobe Sign account.

If you have been sent a document for signing or if you are sending documents internally for signature, you do not need Adobe Sign.

If you believe you are eligible please submit your request online.