Frequently Asked Questions
Payroll Giving - For Employers
Is it easy to set up a Payroll Giving scheme?
Yes. This process is both simple and straightforward
As an employer, do I have to use a Payroll Giving agency?
Yes. You have to enter into an agreement with a Payroll Giving agency because of taxation law
How can we promote Payroll Giving within our organisation?
Payroll Giving can be promoted in many ways:
- By selling its benefits, for example, by organising a presentation from a Professional Fund Raising Organisation (PFO) or a charity representative
- By providing information, for example, via the Staff Newsletter, company intranet, or with payslips
- By providing updates and feedback
- By modelling one‘s efforts on and benefitting from the experience of others
Who can donate though Payroll Giving?
Any employee or pensioner who is paid through PAYE
Are there any minimum or maximum donation amounts?
There is no limit to the amount an employee can donate; however, the minimum Payroll Giving deduction is £5 per month and the minimum donation to each charity is £1 per month
To whom can employees make their donations?
- Employees can donate to any organisation recognised by the HMRC as having charitable status; this includes many good causes such as places of worship, school groups, non-private hospitals, and clubs as well as charities registered by the Charities Commision based in the UK
- A list of registered charities can be found on the Charities Commission‘s web site; this link can be used to search by Registered Number, name, keyword, or geograpical area in which they operate
How do employees start donating through Payroll Giving?
Once employees have decided how much they wish to give and to whom, they will need to inform us by completing a Donation Choice Form, either on-line via our web site or by downloading a form and sending it to us in the post
How can employees change their donations?
The amount deducted from pay, given to a specific charity, or the charities to which donations are made can be changed at any time. This is done by the employee completing a Donation Choice Form, either on-line or by downloading a form and sending it to us in the post
What happens if an employee wishes to donate anonymously?
- If an employee does not wish their employer to know to which charities donations are being made, the Donation Choice Form can be sent directly to us and we advise the employer of the total amount to be deducted from the employee‘s gross pay.
- In addition, a charity will only be told of the identity of a donor if the employee indicates this when completing the Donation Choice Form
In what other way can employees use their Payroll Giving deductions to give to charity?
An Individual Voucher Account allows an employee to save up their Payroll Giving deductions in a personal account, set up by us on their behalf, rather than selecting a charity or charities for regular monthly donations. When ready, donation instructions can then be sent to us
Payroll Giving - For Employees
What does the Payroll Giving scheme offer?
The Payroll Giving scheme enables any employee or pensioner paid under PAYE to donate to any charitable organisation
What is considered to be a ‘charitable organisation‘?
A ‘charitable organisation‘ is either a registered charity or a good cause recognised by the HMRC as charitable, such as places of worship, school groups, non-private hospitals, or PTAs.
Can I give to a charitable organisation providing aid overseas?
Yes, provided the charitable organisation itself is based or has an office in the UK
Where can I find a list of registered charities I can give to?
You can find a list of registered charities on the Charities Commission‘s web site; use this link to search by Registered Number, name, keyword, or geograpical area in which they operate
What is the minimum donation I can give?
The minimum donation is £1 per month to any one charity but the minimum Payroll Giving deduction is £5 per month
Can I give to more than one charity?
You can give to as many charities as you like provided the donation to each charity is at least £1
When will my donation reach my chosen charity?
If your donation is deducted from your pay in Month 1, it will be received by us in Month 2 and normally distributed to your charity within the first seven working days of Month 3.
Will all my donation go to my chosen charity?
If your employer is paying our administration charge to cover the cost of distribution, your donation will be passed in full to your charity; if not, and depending on your employer’s contract, a small administration charge of up to either £0.25 or 4% (but no more than £10) will be deducted from your Payroll Giving deduction per month
Can I change my donations?
The amount you have deducted from your pay, you give to a specific charity, or the charities to which you donate can be changed at any time by completing a Donation Choice form (available from our web site).
Will the charity be told of my identity?
The charity will only be told of your identity if you ask us to do so when you complete the Donation Choice form
Does my employer need to know to whom I am giving?
No. Your Donation Choice form can be sent directly to us and then your employer will only be advised of the total amount to deduct from your gross pay
How can I check if my employer operates a Payroll Giving Scheme?
Either check with the person responsible for your payroll or contact us
What happens if I change my employer?
If you change your employer, you will need to sign up for Payroll Giving with your new employer
What happens if I change my job or place of work within the same organisation?
If you continue to work for the same employer, your Payroll Giving instructions will move with you
What can I do if I no longer wish to donate through Payroll Giving?
You can stop your donations at any time by informing the person responsible for your pay
If I cease to donate through Payroll Giving, can I get a refund on what I‘ve already given?
No. Once the deduction has been made from your gross pay, it must be donated to a charitable organisation