A new organisation to help Scotland’s employees use initiatives such as Payroll Giving has been launched this week.

Scottish Charities Operating Together (SCOT) has been formed by the collaboration of twelve charities, which includes names such as British Red Cross, Capability Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland and MS Society Scotland.

Recent research suggests businesses that implement Payroll Giving or Give As You Earn schemes benefit from rewards such as improved company image. SCOT wants to highlight these findings in order to encourage companies across Scotland to sign up. It is hoped that this will result in their employees having more opportunities to donate to a wide range of charities, both easily and tax-efficiently.

Ellenor Ferguson, chair of SCOT, said: “While one-off donations to charities will always be important, committing to give donations on a regular basis allows charities to plan their spending more effectively. The funds raised through this scheme will be distributed to the people across Scotland who really need our help, from children with cancer to elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease.”

For more information call Ellenor Ferguson on 0141 419 1702 or email eferguson@epilepsyscotland.org.uk