Ending your Plan International membership made easy

About Plan International

Plan International is a global humanitarian organisation working in over 80 countries to advance children's rights and equality for girls. Established in 1937, the charity has been operating in the United Kingdom for decades, building a substantial supporter base committed to creating lasting change for vulnerable children worldwide. The organisation focuses on education, health, economic empowerment, and protection from violence and exploitation.

Plan International UK operates primarily through regular donations from supporters who sponsor individual children or contribute to broader programmes. When you become a supporter, you typically commit to monthly donations that fund long-term development projects in communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The charity provides regular updates about the impact of your contributions, including progress reports and communications from sponsored children where applicable.

The organisation maintains transparency through its annual reports and accounts, which are publicly available and regulated by the Charity Commission. Plan International UK is registered as a charity (number 276035) and operates with governance standards expected of major UK charities. Your donations are used to fund projects ranging from building schools and providing clean water to campaigning for policy changes that protect children's rights.

Many supporters maintain their relationship with Plan International for years, watching children grow and communities develop. However, circumstances change, and you may need to cancel your support for various legitimate reasons. Understanding your rights as a donor and the proper cancellation procedures ensures a smooth transition whilst protecting your financial interests.

Subscription plans and pricing

Plan International UK offers several ways to support their work, each with different commitment levels and pricing structures. Understanding these options helps you recognise what you originally signed up for and what obligations you have regarding cancellation.

Child sponsorship programmes

The most popular support method is child sponsorship, where you commit to regular monthly donations linked to a specific child and their community. This typically costs £20 per month, though the amount may have increased since you started your sponsorship. The donation continues indefinitely until you cancel or the child completes the programme, usually when they reach 18 years old or finish their education.

Child sponsorship includes regular communications, such as annual progress reports, letters from your sponsored child, and updates about community projects. This personal connection makes sponsorship particularly meaningful but also means cancellation procedures may involve additional steps to ensure proper handover and continuity of support for the child.

General donations and appeals

Plan International also accepts regular monthly donations that aren't tied to specific children. These contributions typically start from £5 per month and can be any amount you choose. These donations provide flexible funding for programmes where need is greatest, allowing the charity to respond quickly to emergencies and changing circumstances.

Regular givers receive newsletters and impact reports but without the personal connection of child sponsorship. Cancellation of these donations is generally more straightforward, as there's no individual child relationship to consider. However, the same formal procedures apply to protect both your rights and maintain proper financial records.

One-off and emergency appeals

Single donations made in response to emergency appeals or specific campaigns don't create ongoing commitments. However, making a one-off donation may result in your details being added to mailing lists for future appeals. If you're receiving unwanted communications after a single donation, you have the right to request removal from marketing lists, which is different from cancelling a regular subscription.

Cancellation terms and conditions

Understanding your legal rights when cancelling charitable donations is essential. Whilst Plan International provides valuable work, you have absolute rights to stop financial support at any time. UK consumer protection laws and charity regulations ensure donors aren't trapped in unwanted commitments.

Your legal rights as a donor

Charitable donations, even regular ones, are voluntary contributions rather than contractual obligations in the traditional sense. This means you have the right to cancel at any time without penalty or requirement to provide reasons. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and regulations governing Direct Debit payments protect your ability to stop payments, regardless of what any charity policy might suggest.

No charity can legally prevent you from cancelling your support or impose financial penalties for doing so. Any suggestion that you're obligated to continue donations for a minimum period would be unenforceable under UK law. This applies even if you've received welcome packs, information materials, or other items when you started your sponsorship.

Notice periods and processing times

Plan International typically requests reasonable notice to process cancellations, usually around 10 working days before your next payment date. This notice period allows them to update their systems and prevent further payments being taken from your account. In practice, providing at least two weeks' notice ensures your cancellation is processed before the next Direct Debit collection.

If you're paying by Direct Debit, you also have the right to cancel directly with your bank through the Direct Debit Guarantee. This provides immediate protection, though it's considered best practice to inform the charity directly as well. Cancelling only through your bank may result in the charity continuing to send communications and payment requests, not realising you've withdrawn support.

Final payments and refunds

Once you submit your cancellation, no further payments should be taken after the notice period expires. If Plan International does take a payment after receiving your cancellation notice, you're entitled to a full refund of that amount. The Direct Debit Guarantee ensures you can claim refunds through your bank if the charity doesn't respond appropriately.

For payments already taken before your cancellation notice, refunds are generally not provided as these donations have already been allocated to programmes. However, if you've been charged incorrectly or experienced unauthorised payment increases, you have the right to challenge these and request refunds for any amounts taken without proper authorisation.

Why supporters cancel their donations

People choose to end their support with Plan International for numerous valid reasons. Financial circumstances change through job loss, reduced income, unexpected expenses, or retirement. Many supporters need to prioritise their own financial stability, especially during economic uncertainty or personal hardship. This is entirely reasonable and nothing to feel guilty about.

Some donors redirect their charitable giving to different causes that become more personally relevant. Others consolidate their donations to fewer charities to manage their finances more effectively. Changes in personal circumstances, such as moving house, dealing with illness, or family commitments, often necessitate reviewing all regular financial commitments including charitable donations.

Occasionally, supporters become dissatisfied with communication frequency, feeling overwhelmed by appeals and updates. Others may have concerns about how donations are used or administrative costs. Whatever your reason, you have every right to cancel without justification or pressure to continue.

How to cancel Plan International by post

Postal cancellation is the most reliable and legally robust method for ending your Plan International support. Written communication creates an indisputable record of your cancellation request, protecting you if any disputes arise about when you notified the charity or what you requested.

Why postal cancellation is recommended

Sending your cancellation by post, particularly through Recorded Delivery, provides proof that Plan International received your request. This matters significantly if future payments are taken after your cancellation or if there's any dispute about timing. A signature on delivery confirms exactly when the charity received your letter, establishing a clear timeline for when payments should stop.

Written cancellation also ensures clarity and completeness. You can include all necessary information in one communication - your full name, address, supporter number, payment details, and clear cancellation instruction. This reduces the possibility of miscommunication or incomplete processing that might occur with other methods. As a result, postal cancellation minimises the risk of continued payments or ongoing communications after you've ended your support.

Furthermore, having a physical record of your cancellation request provides protection if you need to escalate matters. If Plan International doesn't process your cancellation appropriately, your proof of posting and delivery becomes crucial evidence when contacting the Charity Commission, your bank, or seeking consumer advice. This documentation trail is invaluable for protecting your rights.

Essential information to include

Your cancellation letter must contain specific information to ensure Plan International can identify your account and process your request efficiently. Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your donation records, including any middle names or initials. Include your complete address, as this helps match your letter to their database, especially if multiple supporters share similar names.

Provide your supporter number or reference number, which appears on correspondence from Plan International, including welcome packs, annual reports, or payment confirmation letters. If you're a child sponsor, include the name and reference number of your sponsored child. This ensures your cancellation is processed for the correct account if you support multiple children or have separate donation arrangements.

State clearly that you wish to cancel your regular donation or sponsorship, specifying the effective date. Requesting cancellation "immediately" or "as soon as possible" is acceptable, though specifying "before my next payment date of [date]" provides additional clarity. Include details of how you currently pay - Direct Debit, standing order, or credit card - along with the approximate monthly amount, as this helps Plan International locate your records quickly.

Using Recorded Delivery for protection

Sending your cancellation via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery costs approximately £3.50 but provides invaluable peace of mind. You receive a tracking number allowing you to monitor your letter's progress online, and Plan International must sign upon receipt. This signature creates legal proof of delivery, which is essential if you need to demonstrate that you provided proper notice.

Keep your proof of postage receipt and tracking number safe until you've confirmed your cancellation is fully processed. Check online using the tracking number to verify when your letter was delivered and who signed for it. This information becomes important if payments continue beyond your notice period, as it establishes exactly when Plan International was informed of your cancellation.

Alternatively, services like Postclic simplify this process by handling the entire postal cancellation for you. Rather than drafting your own letter, finding the correct address, and queuing at the post office, Postclic creates professionally formatted cancellation letters, sends them via tracked delivery, and provides digital proof of posting and delivery. This saves considerable time whilst ensuring your cancellation is handled correctly and professionally.

The correct postal address for cancellations

Sending your cancellation to the correct address is crucial for timely processing. Plan International UK's supporter services team handles cancellation requests at their main office. Ensure you address your letter exactly as follows:

• Plan International UK
• Supporter Care Team
• Finsgate
• 5-7 Cranwood Street
• London
• EC1V 9LH

Double-check this address before posting, as sending your cancellation to an incorrect address delays processing and may result in additional unwanted payments. The Supporter Care Team specifically handles donor enquiries and cancellations, ensuring your request reaches the appropriate department immediately.

Following up on your cancellation

After posting your cancellation, monitor your bank account carefully to ensure no further payments are taken after your notice period expires. If you sent your letter with sufficient notice before your next payment date, that payment should be cancelled. However, if your letter arrived close to a payment date, one final payment might be processed before the cancellation takes effect.

If payments continue beyond the reasonable notice period, contact Plan International immediately to query why your cancellation wasn't processed. Reference your Recorded Delivery tracking information, including the delivery date and signature. This documented evidence strengthens your position significantly and usually results in prompt resolution and refunds for any incorrectly taken payments.

Should Plan International fail to respond appropriately or continue taking payments despite your cancellation, you have several options. Contact your bank to cancel the Direct Debit under the Direct Debit Guarantee, which provides immediate protection. You can also report the matter to the Fundraising Regulator or Charity Commission if you believe Plan International isn't handling your cancellation in accordance with fundraising regulations.

Customer reviews and tips

Understanding other supporters' experiences with Plan International's cancellation process helps you know what to expect and how to handle potential challenges. Many former donors share similar experiences regarding the organisation's response to cancellation requests and provide valuable insights for ensuring smooth processing.

Common experiences with cancellation

Most supporters report that Plan International processes cancellations professionally when provided with clear written notice. The charity typically acknowledges cancellation requests within a few days and confirms when your final payment will be taken. Many former donors appreciate receiving confirmation that their sponsored child will be matched with a new sponsor, providing reassurance about continuity of support.

However, some supporters experience delays in processing, particularly during busy periods or if their cancellation letter lacks complete information. This emphasises the importance of including all relevant details - supporter number, payment method, and clear cancellation instruction - to avoid back-and-forth correspondence that delays the process. Therefore, taking time to ensure your initial cancellation letter is comprehensive prevents frustrating delays.

A minority of former supporters report continued communications after cancellation, including appeals for donations or requests to reconsider their decision. Whilst Plan International has the right to maintain contact unless you specifically opt out of marketing, persistent contact after cancellation can feel inappropriate. If this occurs, send a separate written request asking to be removed from all mailing lists, citing your rights under data protection regulations.

Tips for smooth cancellation

Timing your cancellation appropriately ensures you don't pay for an additional month unnecessarily. Check your usual payment date and send your cancellation letter at least two weeks before this date. This provides ample time for processing even if there are minor delays in postal delivery or internal administration. As a result, you're less likely to experience an unwanted final payment.

Keep copies of everything related to your cancellation. Photograph or photocopy your cancellation letter before posting, retain your proof of postage and tracking information, and save any correspondence you receive from Plan International acknowledging your cancellation. This documentation becomes essential if problems arise, providing clear evidence of your actions and the charity's responses.

If you're cancelling due to financial hardship but would like to maintain some connection with your sponsored child, consider asking Plan International about reducing your donation amount instead. The charity sometimes offers flexibility for supporters experiencing temporary difficulties. However, you're under no obligation to continue at any level, and cancelling completely is entirely your right regardless of circumstances.

Avoiding common mistakes

The most common mistake supporters make is assuming verbal communication or email is sufficient for cancellation. Whilst these methods might work, they don't provide the same legal protection as written postal communication. Without proof of delivery, you may struggle to demonstrate that you provided proper notice if disputes arise about continued payments.

Another frequent error is cancelling through your bank without informing Plan International directly. Whilst this stops payments immediately, it leaves the charity unaware that you've withdrawn support. This means they continue treating you as an active supporter, sending communications and potentially passing your details to debt collection if they believe you've simply stopped paying without notice. Therefore, always inform the charity directly even if you've also cancelled through your bank.

Some supporters provide insufficient information in their cancellation letters, leading to processing delays whilst Plan International requests additional details. Including your supporter number, sponsored child's details if applicable, and payment information from the outset prevents these delays. The more comprehensive your initial cancellation letter, the faster and smoother the process.

What to expect after cancelling

Following successful cancellation, you should receive written confirmation from Plan International acknowledging your request and confirming when your support will officially end. This confirmation usually arrives within two weeks of your cancellation letter being delivered. If you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe, follow up to ensure your request was received and processed.

Your final payment should be taken on your usual payment date if your cancellation was processed in time, or potentially one additional payment if your notice was received close to the payment date. After this final payment, no further amounts should be debited from your account. Monitor your bank statements for at least two months after cancellation to ensure no further payments are taken.

Plan International may send a final communication thanking you for your support and providing information about the impact of your donations during your sponsorship period. Some supporters appreciate this closure, whilst others prefer no further contact. If you don't want any additional communications, state this clearly in your cancellation letter and request removal from all mailing lists including postal mail, email, and telephone contact.

Remember that cancelling your support with Plan International doesn't reflect negatively on you as a person. Charitable giving should be sustainable and appropriate for your circumstances. If your situation changes in the future and you're able to resume support, Plan International welcomes returning donors. In the meantime, protecting your financial wellbeing is essential and entirely reasonable.

Using professional cancellation services

For supporters who want absolute certainty that their cancellation is handled correctly, using a professional service like Postclic offers significant advantages. These services understand exactly what information charities need, format letters professionally, and handle all postal requirements including tracked delivery. This removes the stress and uncertainty from the cancellation process.

Postclic maintains up-to-date addresses for organisations like Plan International, ensuring your cancellation reaches the correct department without delay. The service provides digital proof of posting and delivery, accessible whenever you need it, which is particularly valuable if you need to demonstrate compliance with notice periods. This means you have permanent, easily accessible records without keeping physical paperwork.

The time-saving aspect is considerable. Rather than researching the correct address, drafting an appropriate letter, and visiting the post office for Recorded Delivery, everything is handled digitally and professionally. For a small fee, you gain peace of mind that your cancellation is processed correctly whilst saving the time and effort of managing the process yourself. This makes professional cancellation services particularly valuable for people managing multiple subscription cancellations or those with limited time.