Electronic signature for membership records

[jesselaineallen]

Hi,

I have a ward clerk that is asking if it is necessary for the Bishop to sign his normal real signature on forms they are processing electronically. Many electronic signature programs will generate a signature automatically using some kind of font if it is not provided.

The Bishop is on a short deployment, and the Stake has decided that he should continue his duties remotely where possible.

Since it is membership related (not finance) I do not see an issue. The example the clerk showed me is a baptism ordinance form, that the Bishop can sign off normally, if he is present. In this case, the form would be submitted with an electronic signature.

Personally, I would have the Bishop print, sign and scan and return to the clerk. The clerk is thinking he may need to teach the Bishop the process of using the electronic signature application.

Is there a clear guidance with regard to remotely working and requiring a signature for these forms?

-Jesse

[scgallafent]

I don't think I would worry about implementing some kind of electronic signature system. Just have a counselor sign the form and note that the bishop approved it.

[jesselaineallen]

Yes, that I could agree that a counselor should fill in on these signature requests.

[BrianEdwards]

Another thought is that for audit purposes, an email trail might be an additional backup. So if the counselor signs for the Bishop and there's also an email trace of the Bishop's awareness and approval, to me that seems to be a good effort at fulfilling the underlying purpose of the Bishop's signature.
I surely don't know if this specifically would also be ok for finance items, but it seems plausible to my untrained mind...