Received a letter from Mr O'Neill of IETConnect (the fancy name for the IET Benevolent Fund) dated June 2013 - "We need help with Gift Aid Declaration changes". I do not understand why IET Connect is wasting money on this mailshot! The guidance from HMRC at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/new-guid-giftaid.htm is quite clear: "Charities may chose to replace their existing enduring declarations with new ones based on the new guidance if they so wish but there is no requirement that they do so." So why does themailshot say that my existing declaration is not now valid? Then again, all the information they need, except my signature, is printed on the letter they sent out. So why are they asking members to write it all out again? IET Connect could have done all this on a single pre-printed sheet and saved us all time and money. Has anyone up there thought this through?

We have written to all IET members who have kindly donated to us in the last 4 years for whom we do not have a valid form. There are a number of different reasons why forms might be invalid, for example people may have used a business address rather than a home address which is not acceptable to HMRC.

We are also taking the opportunity to update all of our records hence the new wording on the form. We considered including a pre-printed form but the address used must be the same as the address that the HMRC uses for the individual and this may not be same as the one used for the IET. After a great deal of thought, and considering the widely varying circumstances of members who donate, it was agreed that the simple form should be completed by the member to ensure that the information is correct and completely up to date.

The mailing is also an opportunity to raise awareness of IET Connect and how we can help members, past and present, and their dependants as there is still a great lack of awareness amongst the membership. Anyone who needs legal advice, employment support or any other assistance should not hesitate to contact our helpline on 0845 685 0685 or email ietconnect@theiet.org

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Caroline Hobden
Service Development Manager/Deputy CEO
IET Connect