Frequently asked questions
We hope to answer any questions you have about Payroll Giving below. If we do not, please contact our Supporter Services team on 0300 123 1861 or email supporter.services@cancer.org.uk.
- How does Payroll Giving work?
- What is a PFO?
- What is a Payroll Giving Agency?
- How much should I give?
- What should I do if my employer doesn't currently have a Payroll Giving scheme?
- How flexible is Payroll Giving?
- How do I know that Cancer Research UK has received my donation?
- Can I still give through my pension?
- What happens to my Payroll Giving deduction if I leave my job?
- Who can I contact if I need any further information?
1. How does Payroll Giving work?
Payroll Giving works in 4 simple steps:
- You apply for Payroll Giving using our online form.
- We notify your payroll department of your wish to donate to Cancer Research UK.
- Your employer sets up a pre-tax deduction from your salary.
- This deduction is sent to the Payroll Giving Agency that your employer is registered with and they then send the donations to Cancer Research UK.
Donations have to go through this channel in order to be tax effective.
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2. What is a PFO?
PFOs (Professional Fundraising Organisations) specialise in workplace fundraising, sending out teams of trained fundraisers who visit organisations and tell staff about Payroll Giving, answer questions and carry out the sign-up process. PFOs are paid by charities for recruiting donors and charge no fees to the employer. Take a look at our PFO contacts.
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3. What is a Payroll Giving Agency?
All companies that have Payroll Giving schemes in place are registered with a Payroll Giving Agency (PGA). PGAs administrate Payroll Giving schemes in the workplace, handle donations on behalf of businesses and make sure that these funds are distributed to the correct charities.
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4. How much should I give?
This is entirely your decision. You can stop, start, decrease or increase your donation whenever you like. Simply tell your payroll department, giving them one month's notice.
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5. What should I do if my employer doesn't currently have a Payroll Giving scheme?
Your employer will need to register with an HM Revenue & Customs approved Payroll Giving Agency and have the facility to make pre-tax deductions on your payroll system.
Comprehensive instructions and guidance on how to do this can be found in our downloadable Payroll Giving guide for employers (PDF, 756KB). Simply print off this guide and pass it on to your employers to get the ball rolling.
Whatever the size of the company your work for, Payroll Giving is quick and easy to put in place so your employer should be very open to setting up the scheme.
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6. How flexible is Payroll Giving?
Payroll Giving is a voluntary donation and you can stop it at any time or change the amount you give. Simply tell your employer's payroll department, giving them one month's notice. You can also give to more than one charity at once.
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7. How do I know that Cancer Research UK has received my donation?
Your donation is very important to us and we will write to thank you. We may also send you updates on our work and the progress we are making in beating cancer. You can also ask your payroll department at work to ask its Payroll Giving Agency for confirmation that your donation has been received.
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8. Can I still give through my pension?
Yes, if you receive an occupational pension and your pension provider deducts tax through the PAYE system, you are still eligible for the scheme. Simply ask your occupational pension provider to make a donation from your pension before tax has been deducted.
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9. What happens to my Payroll Giving deduction if I leave my job?
If you leave employment your Payroll Giving donation will automatically stop. It is up to you to contact the payroll department at your next employer if you wish to start giving through the scheme again.
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10. Who can I contact if I need any further information?
If you have any queries about donating to Cancer Research UK you can call our Supporter Services team on 0300 123 1861 or email supporter.services@cancer.org.uk.
If you would like to find out more about how Payroll Giving works in general visit the Payroll Giving Centre website, an independent website that acts as resource centre for Payroll Giving.
If your employer has any questions about how to set up the scheme please direct them to our Payroll Giving guide for employers (PDF, 392KB). In the guide there is also useful information about promoting Payroll Giving within your organisation to your colleagues.
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