The Business Issue Having established a 2018 target date for the closure of cheque clearing, the Payments Council needed to understand the special requirements of the third sector – specifically, to discuss their needs and get their input into the consultation on the viability of cheque clearing closure.

The Solution Optimisa Research carried out 7 large workshop events across the UK and Northern Ireland, with further opportunity for organisations to participate via telephone conference discussions. In total, 204 organisations participated in the event. Using voting button technology at events, we were able to generate a quick overview of what delegates used cheques for, and their feelings about alternative mechanisms.

The Results & Recommendations We collaborated closely with the client to ensure the final published report and presentation to the steering committee answered the key points required for taking the debate further (this is published on the Payments Council website). In 2011 the Payments Council announced plans to shelve the phasing out of cheques.