Git Lab Merge Request Templates are a fairly exciting way for me to help drive consistency in the projects I am participating in – internal, external and personal. I created a new folder in .gitlab/issue_templates/and added a file Merge_Request.md ( based on Pull Request). For GitHub (not GitLab) switch the folder to .github.
When you go to raise a Merge Request, you can select a template using the template query parameter on GitHub https://github.com/prb112/examples/compare/readme-update?expand=1&template=Merge_Request.md
You can see the example at Pull Request 4. Developers can select the check boxes and indicate if they are compliant with the minimum to commit.
GitLab is slightly different, and that you select the template from a drop down. I actually prefer this approach which makes it easier to select.
Good luck, go forth and be consistent with Pull Requests and Merge Requests.