We welcome requests from registered charities to hold complimentary cash collections or awareness events at staffed stations we manage.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Check if the station is managed by us, staffed and supported for collections (see right)
- Download and complete the charity collection form (see below)
- Ensure you meet our eligibility criteria outlined in the terms and conditions
- Email your completed form and your Public Liability Insurance certificate to [email protected]
We process requests once we’ve received your completed form and your Public Liability Insurance certificate, and you will receive an automated email once the application has been approved by the local station team. Please make sure we receive your application at least 30 days before your planned collection date.
We only accept charities that:
- Are registered with the Fundraising Regulator
- Have at least two years of submitted accounts
- Do not use commission-based or third-party fundraising agencies
- Do not collect using direct debits, ongoing donation sign-ups, membership registrations, or gambling-style methods
- Collections must not disrupt station operations, and all requests are reviewed in line with our pop-up activity policy and HSSE guidance.
Please review our full terms and conditions in the below booking form (which you are required to also sign when making your application) for full eligibility criteria, the process on the day, and our HSSE policies.
Stations supported for collections
- Aylesbury
- Banbury
- Bicester Village
- Birmingham Moor Street
- Dorridge
- Gerrards Cross
- Haddenham & Thame Parkway
- High Wycombe
- Leamington Spa
- London Marylebone
- Oxford Parkway
- Solihull
- Warwick Parkway
- Winslow (from its opening)
Chiltern Railways serve some stations but do not manage them. This includes Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Milton Keynes Central, Amersham and Stourbridge Junction. You'll need to reach out to the station facility operator directly in these cases.
Frequently asked questions
What types of events can charities arrange at Chiltern stations?
Charities registered with the Fundraising Regulator are eligible to host free-of-charge cash collections or awareness events at staffed Chiltern Railways stations.
How do we apply to hold a collection or awareness event?
Check that the station is managed by Chiltern Railways, is staffed and that it is supported for collections, then download and complete the Charity Collection Application Form, then email the completed form and your valid Public Liability Insurance certificate (min. £1 million) to [email protected].
What are the minimum timelines?
Submit your application at least 30 days before your planned date. Approval comes via automated email once the local station team confirms.
What eligibility criteria must we meet?
- Be registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
- Have at least two years of submitted accounts.
- Not use commission-based or third-party fundraising agencies.
- Not collect via direct debits, ongoing donation sign-ups, membership fees, or gambling-style methods
Are there licence or permit requirements?
Yes. You need evidence of:
- A Public Collections Certificate (as per Section 52 of the Charities Act 2006).
- Any local authority or police permits required for public collections.
What insurance do we need?
Organisations must hold Public Liability Insurance of at least £1 million, valid at the time of the event, and supply this certificate when applying.
Where can I read the full terms and conditions?
All eligibility details, event protocols, and HSSE information are outlined in the Booking Form (available in both .docx and .pdf formats) which you must sign during the application process.
Who can I contact for help or questions?
- For queries related to charity collections: [email protected]
- For general stakeholder or community enquiries: see the main Stakeholders & Community page.
What happens once our application is submitted?
After submission, your request is processed and reviewed by the station team. You will receive an automated email once approved. Ensure your organisation is eligible and complies with the agreed terms to avoid delay.
Which stations can we hold a charity collection at?
You can only collect at staffed stations managed by Chiltern Railways and locally support charity collections. These typically include major stations on the Chiltern Main Line and associated routes. Examples may include London Marylebone, High Wycombe, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick Parkway, Birmingham Moor Street, and others.
Note: Some smaller or unstaffed stations - such as Saunderton and Kings Sutton - are not eligible due to staffing and safety requirements.
What if my preferred station is not eligible?
If the station is either:
- Not managed by Chiltern Railways (e.g. operated by GWR, CrossCountry, or West Midlands Railway), or
- Is unstaffed or unsuitable for charity activity,
You’ll need to consider an alternative nearby Chiltern-managed station that meets the criteria. You may also:
- Contact the station facility operator directly if the station falls outside Chiltern’s remit.
- Consider a different type of public space for awareness events if rail stations are not feasible.