The scheme provides employers with a certificate and use of a logo to publicly demonstrate their commitment to a good cause, while bronze, silver and gold awards are allocated to organisations demonstrating excellence in “fostering a culture of giving” through the programme.

Speaking at the scheme’s launch, Charities Minister, Paul Goggins, said: “Payroll Giving is an important and reliable source of revenue for charities that is quick and easy to set up and run, and gives businesses the chance to connect with their local community. By donating money straight from their salary, employees can make a regular, tax-efficient commitment...”

The Quality Mark launch comes as the latest statistics show a large increase in the numbers of those signing up to Payroll Giving, with smaller organisations signed up rising from 901 at the end of April 2004 to 2,167 by the end of December 2005.

Also, the first half of the 2005 financial year saw £47,025,643 donated compared to £38,590,215 in the same period in 2004.

As an incentive to further increase these numbers, employers who sign up for Payroll Giving before the end of 2006 will be eligible for a one-off grant of between £300 and £500, and a matched gift of up to £10 per month for six months after an employee signs up.