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- My dividend cheque is out of date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. If you are registered with Shareview (www.shareview.co.uk) you can tell them your new address by logging into your Portfolio. You will need
shareholder's full name and current registered address
shareholder reference number
You will find both of these on a share certificate, recent dividend voucher or any of our other correspondence.
Alternatively, you can complete a change of address form which can be found on their website, www.shareview.co.uk (Please note: this link will open the page in a new browser window.) under 'Shareholder Centre', then 'Change of address'. Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Equiniti 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.
The first step is to write to our registrar at:
Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA
They will then place a temporary marker on the register to ensure that wherever possible, they do not issue further dividend payments in the shareholder's name. They will also send you the forms that you will need to complete.
Please contact our registrars in writing or by phone so they can guide you through the process.
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. Equiniti will then be able to reissue you with a replacement cheque. Please note that there may be an administration charge.
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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 £30 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.
If you are registered for Shareview, you can give your instructions online using our holding service. Log on using your access number and password and then select "change bank account" from the menu and follow the instructions given.
If you would prefer to send written instructions, or your holding is in joint names or is a corporate holding, just print out the dividend instruction form from the "forms" link, complete it and post it to our registrar.
They will do everything to register your mandate request in time for the next dividend. However entitlement to a dividend is usually calculated one or two months before the dividend is actually paid. If your request is received after this time, you will receive your dividend by your existing payment method, but they will ensure that your instruction is registered for the subsequent payment.
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.shareview.co.uk (Please note: this link will open the page in a new browser window.) under 'Shareholder Centre', 'Need some help?', then 'Forms'. Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Equiniti 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. Equiniti 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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