Will Aid is really easy to run
- there are no complicated procedures or administration.
You can register your participation quickly and easily with the online Registration form, or phone the dedicated Campaign Office on 01460 271178. We would be happy to help with any queries you may have. Once we have received your registration we will write to confirm the details.

5 Step Guide to running Will Aid

STEP 1: Spreading the word
Publicity makes all the difference to the success of Will Aid. Although we will do all we can centrally, your help really will make a difference. Please help us make a big noise in your area by participating in our publicity drive. Make sure that local people know about your involvement with Will Aid.

  •  Display Will Aid posters and leaflets in your office - and include a leaflet with any appropriate mailing to clients. These will be sent to you during the summer.
  • Find other outlets for display materials - churches, post offices, estate agents, Independent Financial Advisors, or other business places in your area may be willing to help. If so, let us know and we will send leaflets or posters suitable for them. 
  • Local newspapers and radio are naturally very interested in stories involving local people. The more you can do locally, the more successful the campaign will be for your business.
  • If your firm advertises locally, why not include a reference to Will Aid in your advertisement? The Will Aid website provides some suggested wording for press releases and adverts. You can also download the Will Aid logo.
  • Participate in an advertising feature. You may be contacted by your local newspaper asking you to pay to place an advert in a Will Aid feature. Many solicitors have found that this prominent advertising drives new clients to their business, but you are under no obligation to take part.
STEP 2 : Receiving Enquiries
We will give your contact details to people who call the Will Aid hotline or log onto the Will Aid website looking for a local participating firm. We will also be sending out press releases including your contact details to your local papers. Members of the public will be invited to contact you directly to make an appointment, either by telephone or email. 
  • Don't forget to brief your receptionist and colleagues in plenty of time as enquiries may be received from August onwards.
  • You are free to arrange appointments to suit you. You are very welcome to spread them before or after November.
  • We can't predict exactly how many people will contact you, but if you receive more enquiries than you can handle, let us know at the campaign office as soon as possible. We will provide callers with details of an alternative firm. 

 STEP 3 : Meeting the Client
We have encouraged clients to use the will planner provided to prepare for their appointment. This should help to save your time.

  • If a client has complicated requirements, you are free to charge separately for the additional work involved. However, we would stress the importance of making it clear to the client before accepting their instructions that you will only carry out part of the work under the Will Aid scheme and will charge them your normal fee for the additional work.
  • Many will-makers do not realise the value of leaving a gift to charity in their Will and yet charities depend on this income to enable them to fund their vital work. Please ask your clients to consider leaving a gift to charity in their Will. 

 STEP 4: Accepting the donation

Please remind your clients that the suggested donation is £75 for a single Will, £110 for a pair of 'mirror' Wills or £40 for a codicil to an existing Will. If this differs widely from your usual charges, you are welcome to indicate your usual rate to the client.

  • Cheques should be made payable to Will Aid. Clients may also make their donation by debit/credit card on this website. if they choose this option, they should show you a copy of their payment acknowledgement.
  • Will Aid has provided you with a receipt book. Please complete the receipt and give them the yellow copy. The blue copy is for your records and the white top copy should be forwarded to the Will Aid office with the client's cheque. If your client has chosen to donate online, please fill in a receipt marking it "paid online".
  • When accepting the donation, please make your client aware of the importance of Gift Aid.
  • It is very valuable for the Will Aid charities to know if a will- maker has made a charity legacy. We would be very grateful if you would indicate this on the receipt. The information will be kept confidential and the will-maker will not be contacted by the charity if they have ticked the 'no mail' box.
  • Will Aid donations are not subject to VAT. 

 STEP 5 : Sending the donations to Will Aid

Please send the donation to Will Aid as soon as you receive it with the white copy of the receipt form.

  • Simply stick one of the Will Aid freepost address labels onto an envelope and post it.
  • Please do not send cash. If your client pays in cash, please send us a company cheque to the same value.
  • If you require a receipt for the money you send us, please provide your email address or, if you do not have email, your fax number. 
  • At the end of the campaign, we will send you a newsletter reporting on the results, together with a certificate confirming how much your firm has raised.