How to include a gift to St John Ambulance in your Will

Follow our simple steps on how to leave a gift in your Will

1. 1

   Estimate the value of your estate

   Get an idea of the total expected value of your estate, including cash, property and investments, as well as personal possessions. You should also consider anything like long-term debts or outstanding bills which might affect the total value.

2. 2

   Take Inheritance Tax into account

   Inheritance Tax (IHT) may be payable on your estate, if it meets certain conditions. You can find the latest information on the HMRC website.

   It’s worth noting that, from April 2027, unused pension wealth will be included in the total value of your estate for IHT purposes.

   Giving a gift to a charity in your Will may reduce how much IHT needs to be paid. Gifts to charities are 100% tax free and taken out of your estate before inheritance tax is calculated.

   We always recommend speaking to a qualified professional before making any final decisions. They will be able to help you make sure that your estate is administered in the most tax efficient way.

3. 3

   Create a clear vision for what your Will is going to include

   This will put you in a good position to consider how to divide your estate among the people and causes you care about. Your Will is a reflection of what’s important to you, so your loved ones will naturally come first.

   You can find more information about how we use the funds gifted to us in our Free Guide to Gifts in Wills.

   Get your free Will Guide

   
   

   You might decide to keep these decisions private between yourself and your solicitor. Others find it helpful to discuss the matter with the people in their lives to fully share their intentions.

   Your Will is also a chance to be clear about how you’d like certain matters to be handled after your death. For example, deciding legal guardians for your children, and stating wishes for your funeral or memorial service.

4. 4

   Decide what type of gift to leave

   There are several different types of gifts you can leave a charity in your Will:

   • A residuary gift is a percentage or share of your residual estate (i.e. what is left after other specified gifts, costs, debts and tax have been paid). It keeps pace with inflation.

   • A pecuniary gift is a fixed sum of money. You can choose to leave any amount, but inflation will reduce its value. This means you may wish to review the gift from time to time.

   • A specific gift is a particular item, such as property, jewellery, antiques, or shares.

   • A reversionary gift allows a beneficiary to use your assets during their lifetime, for example living in a house or receiving investment income. After their death, all or part of the assets pass to your chosen charity.

   Decide which best fits what you intend for your legacy. This might be a combination of different types of gifts. You could also choose to leave gifts to several organisations.

5. 5

   Write your Will

   Once you feel clear about the value of your estate, Inheritance Tax, and the gifts you intend to leave, it’s time to write your Will.

   St John Ambulance offer a Free Will-Writing Service which you might find helpful at this stage.

   You will need to choose at least one executor – someone who will take on the role of carrying out the instructions left in your Will. This could be a trusted person already in your life or a professional, such as a solicitor. Please note St John Ambulance can’t act as an executor.

6. 6

   Include the details of your gift

   Leaving an unrestricted gift (without conditions) means your gift can be used where it is needed most and have the greatest impact when the time comes. You can use the wording below to outline your wishes:

   “I give to St John Ambulance, St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4DA (Registered Charity No. 1077265/1) (‘the Charity’)

   – a __ % share of / the residue of my estate or;

   – the sum of £___ (specify value) or/and;

   – my (insert full description of item and location)

   to be used for the general purposes of the Charity, and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or duly authorised officer for the time being of the Charity shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

   If you wish to leave a restricted gift (to benefit a specific location or aspect of our work that is close to your heart), we encourage you to speak to us. We will always strive to honour your wishes, so we are keen to prevent situations such as funds left to an area of our work that has been discontinued.

7. 7

   Let us know about your gift

   When you tell us about your intention to leave a gift in your Will to St John Ambulance, you help us to plan for the future.

   Sharing your intentions also gives us the opportunity to show our thanks, and to keep you informed of our progress and aims going forward. 

   Tell us about your gift
8. 8

   Keep your Will up to date

   Experts recommend reviewing your Will every five years, and after major life events, such as marriage, divorce or having children. This ensures it still reflects your circumstances and wishes. Legal documents known as codicils were sometimes used for minor changes in the past, but the guidance is now to draft a new Will in all cases.