Introducing the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS)
What is PGS?
The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) is a secure and simple way to give money to support the
work of St. Peter's Church. You can watch a short video about it here.The Parish Giving Scheme explained
Is it safe?
The Parish Giving Scheme was developed by a team within the Diocese of Gloucester in 2008 in response to the problem of unpredictable giving and burdensome administration. You can read more about this here. It worked so well other dioceses became interested and PGS was formally established as an independent charity in 2014 (Registered Charity 1156606). It is set up as a Joint Venture Company co-owned by participating dioceses and managed by a Board of Trustees elected by members (Registered in England 8824540). Therefore, it is regulated by both the Charity Commission and Companies House.
In addition, your donation is covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which makes it a very safe system. More information is available at www.directdebit.co.uk or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk (search for ‘Direct Debit’).
Who is it for?
PGS is a new way for everyone to support the work of our church. It
is for:
• Regular donations
• Taxpayers AND non-taxpayers
I already give regularly to St. Peter’s; do I need to change to PGS?
I would like to encourage all givers to move to PGS because of the benefits it offers us as a
church.
What is “inflation-proofing” and why does it matter?
One of the biggest problems faced by local churches is that of ‘static giving’. Each year
the church’s utility bills, wages and other expenses increase, just like yours do. Many
people set up their regular giving at a generous level but then they never review and change
it, eroding its value over time.
Sam started giving £100 per month to their church 25 years ago but has not
got around to amending their standing order since. If they had increased
their gift annually to keep pace with inflation (by the equivalent of the price
of a cup of coffee each month) they would now be giving about £150 per
month. This extra money would allow their church to do so much more!
It is easy to forget to review your giving. A unique feature of PGS is the option for you, as a
giver, to commit in principle to increase your gift annually in line with inflation. While this is
a voluntary decision, it is one that could potentially have a huge impact on the life and
future of St. Peter’s.
What are the benefits for me?
• It’s simple, safe and you are always in control
• There is an option to increase your gift annually without having to do anything
• Anonymity, if preferred
What are the benefits for St.Peter’s?
• Less administration and all the paperwork is stored safely
• Gift Aid claims are made more frequently so the money is available more quickly
• It’s free; the church does not pay for this service**
• Inflation proofing - more giving will increase each year
• Saving money - we may be able to reduce our bank charges if we no longer need a
separate Gift Aid account
What is Gift Aid?
Free money! If you are a taxpayer and make a Gift Aid declaration, the
Church can claim back the tax you have paid on any donations under
the Gift Aid scheme. A gift of £100 then becomes £125! This does not
cost you or the church anything, it really is free money! Ask Sarah
Durke for more information.
How do I sign up to PGS?
There are three ways to set up your giving through PGS:
1. Online – via the PGS website: Setting up your PGS account or scan the QR code: 
2.By telephone - call 0333 002 1271
3.By post - please contact Sarah Durke or the Church Administrator
Click here to watch a short video about setting up your PGS account: Setting up your PGS account
Don’t forget to cancel your existing standing order once your direct debit is active
Visit the Parish Giving Scheme website:Parish Giving Scheme website