Organising a collection

Collections are a really popular way of raising money as they can be great fun and help to raise lots of awareness at the same time.

A collection in a public place is any location where the public have unrestricted access at all times, such as the street or an open common. Places like train stations and shopping centres are private, not public property as they are closed at night.

Anyone collections taking place in a public place needs a Street Collection Licence from the local authority (the council/metropolitan borough). You will need to apply well in advance (at least a month) before the date of your collection, and longer during a busy period like Christmas.

To collect  sponsorship  or  donations  on  private  property,  such  as  in  a supermarket, a pub or a train station, you simply need to get the (written) permission of the store/station manager/landlord etc.

Collecting from one place to the next (this includes business premises like pubs as well as houses) needs a House to House Collection Licence. Again, these can be obtained from your local authority.   All collectors must be over 16 years of age, use a sealed Beating Bowel Cancer collecting tin, and have a written letter authorisation from they charity (contact us for this).