Parish Giving Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who runs this scheme?
'Parish Giving Scheme' is an independent charity, funded by the Church of England to ensure that all gifts come through without deduction to the designated parish church

How secure is it?
Like many large organisations (our utility companies, and many other charities) it uses the Direct Debit scheme (we are too small an organisation to set this up ourselves). The Direct Debit Guarantee means you stay in control and can cancel it through your bank at any time

When do they take my monthly donation from my bank account?
On the 1st of the month (or the next working day if this is a weekend). They are hoping to give other date choices but this is not in place yet

When will St Stephen's get my gift?
On the 10th of the month - with any gift aid following soon afterwards (sooner than we can at the moment).  

How do I change from Standing order to this new scheme?
You set up the new arrangement with the Parish Giving Scheme first (on line by phone or a form) and they will tell you when the first payment will be taken.  You then have to cancel your standing order (and they will remind you). If you set it up before the 10th of the month, it will start from the first of the following month.  But don't worry - if by accident you pay twice in the first month because you have not cancelled your standing order in time, we at St Stephen's will refund you directly!

What happens if I don't want to change from a standing order right now?
That's fine - take your time and talk with one of us.  We are in the middle of moving our Bank Account from Barclays to Lloyds, but the Barclays Account (where all the income from Standing orders goes) will remain open for a long while yet

Can I give through a Payroll Scheme?
We are looking into this

For other FAQs - check out the Parish Giving Scheme site here