Donations & legacies

The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors is a UK charity which aims to promote learning and advance education in ergonomics (also known as human factors). Our formal charitable mission is "to improve the relation between man and his occupation, equipment and environment, and particularly the application of anatomical, physiological and psychological knowledge to the problems arising therefrom".

One way of doing this is to be the professional body for ergonomists and human factors specialists in the UK. We represent these professions at national and international level and provide a framework of qualifications which ensures that Registered Members and Fellows of the Institute operate to a strict code of professional practice.

However, we also promote ergonomics to a wider audience and undertake educational and public understanding activities to inform specific industry groups for example, managers, equipment designers and regulators as well as consumers. We are particularly interested in making our ergonomics and human factors knowledge available to people in developing countries, through bursaries to our conferences and other outreach initiatives. To fund these activities, we rely on donations, both from commercial operations within the Institute and from individual supporters.

It is our vision that supporters who remember the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (IEHF) in their wills help us improve the working lives of many, creating a legacy that lasts long into the future. We are enormously grateful for every gift we receive, whatever its type or amount. Every person who remembers our work in their will becomes a part of our future.

If you haven't made a will

Making a will is best done with the guidance of a solicitor and can be inexpensive. Having a will is the only way that you can make provision for family, friends and causes that are dear to you while ensuring that your wishes will be carried out.

If you have made a will

It is possible to make a change to your will at any time. If you have already made a will and would like to include the IEHF, you can simply add a codicil to your will, on a separate piece of paper, stipulating any amendments you would like to make to your original will. Your solicitor will be able to help you, although you may be able to do this without their help. If this is the case we strongly recommend that a copy of the codicil is sent to your solicitor afterwards.

Ways to leave a gift in your will

There are three main types of legacy to consider:

• Residuary Legacy: Part, or all, of your estate (after debts, funeral costs and pecuniary gifts are paid)
• Pecuniary Legacy: A specific sum, which can be index-linked to safeguard its future value
• Specific Legacy: A particular item to be used or sold by the beneficiary

If you are worried about providing for your family but don't want to turn your back on your favourite causes, ask your advisor about a Reversionary Legacy, which allows you to leave assets to a named individual for their lifetime while deciding who should benefit after they have passed away.

If you would like to remember the IEHF in your will, here is some suggested wording for your solicitor:
Residuary gifts
"I give all/fraction/% share of the residue of my estate to the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors of Elms Grove, Elms Court, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RG (Registered Charity No 292401), to be used for its general charitable purposes, and I direct that the receipt of the treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors."
Pecuniary or Specific gifts
"I give to the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors of Elms Grove, Elms Court, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RG (Registered Charity No 292401), the sum of £amount/specific gift of my item to be used for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors."

To include the IEHF in your will you'll need to include the following information:
- Charity name: The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Address: Elms Grove, Elms Court, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1RG
- Registered Charity number: 292401

If you think you could help with a gift in your will, please contact the IEHF office. If you have already added IEHF to your will, we would love to know of your intentions.