Gold Quality Mark for NATS Give As You Earn scheme

NATS has been awarded the government-backed Gold Quality Mark for the first time, in recognition of its successful involvement with the Give As You Earn (GAYE) scheme.

NATS’ scheme is run by Payroll Giving and allows employees to donate tax-free through their salary to UK registered charities, HMRC recognised good causes or places of worship. Last year, NATS employees donated over £212,000 to more than 100 charities and good causes via GAYE, and last month alone (January) gave over £20,000. The Top 5 charities supported by the most NATS donors over the past 12 months are Cancer Research UK, NSPCC, The Trussell Trust, RNLI and Shelter.

Charities depend on the regular income from Payroll Giving, which allows them to plan their work including research, building projects, and giving practical help.

NATS introduced the GAYE scheme in 2008 and was assessed against set criteria in order to achieve the Gold Quality Mark. The criteria covered organisation size, the percentage of workforce who donate (12%), internal promotion and facilitation of GAYE events.

Jane Johnston, Head of Corporate & Community Affairs, said, “The GAYE scheme is a really easy way for employees to contribute to the charities they want to support, and we’ve always had strong uptake, with over 12% of the workforce participating. It’s wonderful for everyone’s efforts to be recognised with the Gold Quality Mark, especially as monthly contributions are now reaching an all-time high of more than £20,000.”

Suzie Power, Director, Payroll Giving in Action, said: “We are thrilled to partner with NATS in their successful Payroll Giving scheme. The Gold Quality Mark demonstrates their commitment to charitable activities and is well deserved.”