Tools & Resources
Organising a charity collection takes more than good intentions, it requires solid planning and responsible record-keeping. To make your job easier, we’ve put together a practical set of downloadable templates designed to support your fundraising efforts and help you stay compliant with safety and regulatory guidance. Whether you're hosting a street collection, running a static stand, or taking part in a third-party event, you'll find risk assessments, volunteer forms, and statutory record sheets ready to download and adapt for your needs.
Volunteer Registration Form
Keep track of everyone supporting your collection with this quick registration form. It includes emergency contact details, relevant health information, and a declaration that the volunteer understands your basic safety procedures. It’s also a useful record to show you’re taking volunteer welfare seriously.
General Street Charity Collection
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
This RAMS template covers collections that involve moving around public streets or pedestrian areas. It addresses issues such as trip hazards, public engagement, and lone working. If your collection involves walking routes or multiple volunteers spread across an area, this is the form for you.
Collection Box/Tin Counting Form
This simple form helps you document the counting of sealed collection tins or boxes. It records who was present, the unique tin number, the location collected from, and the amount raised. Use it immediately after opening any collection container to protect both you and your volunteers from disputes or errors.
Cash Counting Centre
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
Wherever cash is being counted—whether in your office, a hired hall, or someone’s home—it’s important to assess the risks. This RAMS covers topics such as secure access, fire safety, and handling large amounts of cash. Ideal for use before and after big collection days.
Charity Collecting at a Third Party’s Event
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS). When your charity is invited to collect at a public event organised by someone else, like a festival, sports event, or concert, this RAMS helps you identify what’s within your control and what relies on the host. It’s a flexible form designed to complement the event organiser’s own safety measures.
Static Location Charity Collection
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS)
This document is designed for collections taking place at fixed locations like supermarkets, shopping centres, or railway stations. It outlines potential risks and the steps you’ll take to manage them, such as volunteer supervision, managing cash, and public interaction. Use this as your go-to reference when planning any static stand collection.
Volunteer Lone Working & Safety Briefing
Some collections involve lone working—for example, a volunteer manning a quiet stand or collecting from local businesses. This briefing outlines essential guidance on how to stay safe, including check-in procedures, personal conduct, and how to handle unwanted attention. A useful document to give volunteers before they head out.
Collection Box/Tin Record Sheet
Every charity using collection tins or boxes in public spaces is required by law to keep a register of where each one is placed and when it’s collected. This record sheet helps you comply with statutory requirements and also makes it easier to track your income across locations. One form can cover multiple boxes.
Some of the Risk Assessment templates available on this page are based on documents originally produced by The Royal British Legion for their annual Poppy Appeal. They’ve been adapted for general guidance and are provided in good faith to help small-scale fundraisers plan safe and successful activities.
However, every event is different and it’s your responsibility as an organiser to review, tailor, and update these templates to suit your specific circumstances. Always make sure your plans meet local authority requirements and health & safety standards. If in doubt, seek advice. The Charity Collection Guide cannot accept liability for how these documents are used.