FAQs
Listed below are the questions we are most frequently asked by private shareholders. Select the question to see the answer or scroll down to read all questions and answers
- What do I need to do if I move home?
- What do I need to do if I change my name?
- How do I report the death of a registered holder?
- I’ve lost my dividend cheque – how do I get a replacement?
- My dividend cheque is out of date
- Can I have my dividends paid into my bank account?
- Can I take my dividends as shares rather than cash?
- How do I transfer my shares to a friend or relation?
- My share certificate has been lost/stolen – how do I get a replacement?
What do I need to do if I move home?
If you move home you will need to inform our registrars of your new address. You can write to them directly, or alternatively complete a change of address form which can be found on their website, www.computershare.com (Please note: this link will open the page in a new browser window.) under 'Investors', then 'Downloadable Forms'. Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Computershare by post.
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What do I need to do if I change my name?
If you change your name, please write to our registrars with details of your new name and previous name. You should attach a copy of your marriage certificate or your change of name deed together with your share certificate(s) and any unpaid dividend cheques in your old name. The registrars will then reissue them. If you have also changed your address, see 'What do I need to do if I move home?'.
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How do I report the death of a registered holder?
If you are administering an estate, you may need to transfer the shares into the names of the beneficiaries or sell the holding. If the shares were held in joint names, our registrar will need to see a photocopy of the death certificate and the share certificate. The shares can then be transferred into the name of the surviving holder. If a grant of probate is being sought, Computershare will require sight of the original or a copy that must bear an impressed seal as photocopies are not acceptable. The share certificates must accompany the document notifying death.
Please contact our registrars in writing or by phone so as they can guide you through the process.
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I’ve lost my dividend cheque – how do I get a replacement?
If you lose a dividend cheque before you have had a chance to pay it into your bank account, please contact our registrars in writing. Computershare will then be able to reissue you with a replacement cheque.
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My dividend cheque is out of date.
If you send the out-of-date cheque to our registrars they will reissue it. If the cheque was for less than £50 there will be no charge, but for larger payments there may be an administration fee.
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Can I have my dividends paid into my bank account?
This is possible with most bank or building society accounts in the UK. It is sometimes referred to as a 'payment instruction' or 'dividend mandate'. Mandating your dividends is easy - the dividend will go into your account on the payment date and tax information about the dividend will be sent to you at your registered address.
To arrange this you will need to contact our registrars in writing, or by completing a 'bank mandate' form which can be found on their website www.computershare.com (Please note: this link will open the page in a new browser window.) under 'Investors', then 'Downloadable Forms'. Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Computershare by post.
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Can I take my dividends as shares rather than cash?
Yes - Serco operates a DRIP (dividend re-investment plan). Read more on DRIP
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How do I transfer my shares to a friend or relation?
If you want to give or sell your shares to someone you know, you can transfer your holding using a 'stock transfer form'. This form can be downloaded from our Registrar's website www.computershare.com (Please note: this link will open the page in a new browser window.) under 'Investors', then 'Downloadable Forms'. Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Computershare by post.
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My share certificate has been lost/stolen – how do I get a replacement?
If you have lost your share certificate you will need to inform our registrars as soon as possible. This can be done by telephone or in writing. Computershare will then be able to guide you through the process of obtaining a duplicate certificate. Depending on the value of the shares represented by the share certificate, a fee may be payable.
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