Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template
A memorandum of understanding records two parties' shared intention to collaborate — setting out the purpose and each side's contribution, without creating a fully binding contract.
What this MOU covers
- The purpose of the collaboration
- Each party's contributions
- Confirmation the MOU is (mostly) non-binding
- Duration and review
- A binding confidentiality clause
When you need a memorandum of understanding
- Two organisations agreeing to work together informally
- Charities, businesses or public bodies starting a partnership
- Wanting to record intentions before a fuller contract is negotiated
The legal framework
Understanding the law behind a memorandum of understanding helps you use it well. Here is the key UK legislation that applies:
Frequently asked questions
Is an MOU legally binding?
Generally not, for the main commitments — an MOU is designed to record intentions, not create enforceable obligations. However, specific clauses (like confidentiality) can be made binding, as this template does.
What's the difference between an MOU and a contract?
A contract creates enforceable legal obligations; an MOU records a shared understanding and intention to collaborate, without (usually) committing either party to specific enforceable duties.
How Legal Lift helps
Answer a few plain-English questions and our AI generator produces a tailored MOU, ready to edit, download as PDF or Word. Every template is kept current with UK law.