Over 5-days a week saved by outsourcing DD processing
Outsourcing time-consuming Direct Debit (DD) processing made life easier and simpler for Age UK through Woods Valldata’s Direct Debit for charities service.
Goal
Age UK were going through a process of streamlining and consolidating services and suppliers.
DD processing was managed in-house, and was a huge administrative burden taking someone nearly full-time to manage all the elements of the process.
They were looking to create efficiencies and saw outsourcing to a trusted partner as the solution. After being awarded the contract through the tender process, Woods Valldata made the first outsourced claim in January 2016.
Success
- Process over 280,000 DD payments per year
- Able to flex volume according to campaign programme upgrades and acquisition.
Our Approach
Background
Woods Valldata had worked with Help the Aged and Age Concern before the merger of the two charities when Age UK brought all Direct Debit processing back in-house.
They were in the process of migrating their database to MS Dynamics and were looking to streamline processes at the same time. One objective was to get DDs outsourced before the change-over occurred.
Requirements
Streamline processes to free-up internal resources.
Consolidate DD processing, appeal management, Gift Aid claims and banking and thanking under one supplier partner.
Trusted, compliant, experienced Direct Debit for charities services partner.
Excellent service, advice and support.
Ease of use operationally from Supporter Engagement team.
Implementation
Age UK onboarded with Woods Valldata simply and easily. The onboarding process is clearly laid out with roles, responsibilities and milestone timings using PRINCE2 project management methodology.
Woods Valldata receive new data from Age UK via import, process claims including submissions, AUDDIS, ARRADS and ADDACS via Bacs and manage all supporter admin for ANLs, reject management and other trigger communications. Age UK simply load the exported data back into their database.
Woods Valldata also manage Age UK’s appeal response handling, with associated banking and thanking, as well as submission of all Gift Aid Claims.
With all services under one roof, Woods Valldata are able to fully support Age UK even in times of rapid change.
In March 2020, when the country went into lockdown and the Age UK offices were shut, Woods Valldata was able to continue processing donations, providing digital scans of mail, and delivering thank you letters to all donors during this period.
Continuous Improvement
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the service and efficiency of our Direct Debit for charities service. It is a testament to the rigorous processes Woods Valldata follow with their DD processing that Age UK have never had to request any changes to the system.
“Efficient doesn’t cover it,” says Sarah Williams. “We just know the process will work and have faith that Woods Valldata know what they’re doing.”
Contact Manager, an online supporter database securely accessed by the Woods Valldata supporter services team and Age UK supporter engagement team alike, has been one innovation that has made life even easier.
This means Age UK can access live supporter details and update their records in the system. The supporter always has the best experience and the supporter service executives on both sides can answer calls with full supporter information quickly and efficiently.
Whatever your requirements we are sure to be able to help
What our client had to say
“It’s the best decision we made. DD processing and the associated admin was an almost full-time job. It’s now something we hardly ever have to really think about. It’s really easy. The process just works!
“We had confidence in the transition during what was an uncertain time for Age UK. It was clear Woods Valldata could cover all the elements we needed: 23,000 Direct Debits per month (and rising), four SUNs and four claim dates. The first claim went out without any issues, and it’s all gone smoothly since then”.
Sarah Williams
Data Services Manager, Age UK
“It’s really straightforward and easy to use and means we haven’t had to invest in expensive and time-consuming database development.”
Sarah Williams
Data Services Manager, Age UK
