The National Payroll Giving Awards 2011 took place last month. In our capacity as hosts of the Payroll Giving Centre, Z/Yen (by which we really mean Linda Cook and Sonya Raymond) worked closely with Institute of Fundraising people to organise the event. The Treasury (nudged by the Cabinet Office) were especially kind to the Payroll Giving Awards this year, allowing the event to be held at Number 11 Downing Street.

Unsurprisingly, the event was extremely well attended. Even The Chancellor himself popped in for a while to see what was going on. The Institute of Fundraising’s new Chief Executive, Peter Lewis, was the master of ceremonies and steered the event with great gusto. The event was hosted by another newbie; Chloe Smith. Indeed, the awards were her first ministerial engagement, as she was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury just a few days before the event. Chloe, together with Sir Gus O’Donnell, presented the awards.