Your free will, sorted
We’ve partnered with Octopus Legacy for the next three years so that every member can write — or update — their will completely free of charge. It’s a genuine member benefit, paid for by the Company, with absolutely no obligation attached. Below are the questions we get asked most.
Is this actually free? What’s the catch?
There isn’t one. The Company pays Octopus Legacy directly so that members can use their will-writing service at no cost to you. You don’t need to donate anything, sign up to anything else, or give us your bank details. It’s simply a benefit of being a Haberdasher, in the same way as our events or our network.
Do I have to leave a gift to the Foundation in return?
No. Genuinely, no. Whether or how you leave your estate is entirely up to you and your family. We’d love for you to think about the Haberdashers’ Foundation while you’re there — more on that below — but writing your free will doesn’t come with any strings attached.
So why is the Company paying for this?
A few reasons. First, it’s a useful, practical thing for members to have — over half of UK adults don’t have an up-to-date will, and getting one sorted properly can otherwise cost anywhere from £150 to over £1,000. Second, while you’re writing it, we hope you’ll consider the Haberdashers’ Foundation as one of the causes you support — that’s how the Foundation funds things like Habs Aspire and our other programmes for young people. But the benefit comes first, with no conditions attached.
Who are Octopus Legacy?
They’re an FCA-regulated will-writing service, used by over a million families, and one of the most established names in online will-writing in the UK. They’re not a charity — they’re a professional service we’ve partnered with so our members get proper, expert support.
How does it actually work?
You go to octopuslegacy.com/HABERDASHERS and quote “Haberdashers’ Foundation.” You can write your will online (it takes about 15 minutes), over the phone, or in person if you’d prefer. Once you’ve answered their questions, their team reviews everything and you’ll get a will ready to print and sign.
I already have a will — can I still use this?
Yes. This is a great moment to check yours is up to date, especially if anything’s changed recently — a house move, a new grandchild, a marriage, a divorce. You can use the free service to write a brand new will that replaces your old one.
Is an online will actually legally binding?
Yes, once it’s printed and signed in front of two witnesses (neither of whom can be a beneficiary or married to one). Octopus Legacy will walk you through exactly how to do this properly.
What if my situation is complicated? (e.g. property abroad, a business, a blended family)
That’s fine — you can speak to Octopus Legacy’s team on the phone first, free of charge, and they’ll advise on the best route. Complex wills may take a bit more back-and-forth, but you’re still covered under the free offer.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Octopus Legacy only shares details of any charitable gift you choose to leave with us if you specifically consent to that. You never have to tell us your plans, and you can change your mind at any point — no questions asked.
I’d like to consider leaving a gift to the Foundation — what should I do?
Wonderful — thank you. You don’t need to decide anything right now. If it’s something you’re thinking about, our Director for Charities, Andrea Van Sittart, would be very happy to have a no-pressure conversation about what a gift could support. Please contact her here.
Where can I find out more before I commit?
Join us for our online webinar with Octopus Legacy on 13 October at 7pm — it’s a live Q&A, so you can ask anything before you start. Or come and find the Octopus Legacy stall at our Charities Engagement Evening on 14 October, where you can chat things through in person.
Who do I contact with other questions?
For anything about the will-writing service itself, Octopus Legacy’s team is on 020 4525 3605. For anything about the Foundation or leaving a gift, contact Andrea Van Sittart, Director for Charities here.
The conference began with a networking reception where students were set the challenge of speaking to adults and students who they hadn’t met before and asking them about their own leadership journey. As well as the student leaders, attendees included Haberdashers with a range of leadership experience including political, business and social impact leadership.
During dinner students heard from a former Adams Head Girl, Harshini Muthukrishnan, about her experience in student leadership and as a Blue Peter presenter where she acts as a role model to tens of thousands of children. Her speech included an important reminder about the power of role models, supporting one another on your leadership journey and being proactive in taking opportunities to challenge yourself.
Day two of the event was opened by Lord Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE. Beginning his career as a teacher, Lord Hastings then worked across government agencies on policies to build racial equality, including as a Commissioner with the Commission for Racial Equality. He was honoured with a CBE and Peerage to House of Lords in recognition for his services to crime reduction. He spoke to students about ‘Leading from the middle and following from behind‘, taking inspiration from political leaders and philosophers and challenging students to consider their own values in relation to leadership.
This was followed by Tom Vallings who shared insights from his leadership experience in the British Army. Tom discussed leadership styles and gave students a practical framework in which to consider their ‘leadership house’ and how to develop trust as a leader, illustrated using stories from Tom’s forces experience.
John Griffiths and Dr Joanna Abeyie MBE shared a slightly different perspective on leadership, focusing on civic responsibility and their roles as Common Counsellors in the City of London. They encouraged students to value civic responsibility and as leaders to inspire their peers to value political participation and make change in their communities.
Fleur Brading spoke to students about their career journey, how leadership skills can develop throughout their career journey and how to apply the experience gained in a student leadership role when entering the employment market. She shared the advice to never stop learning, embrace feedback and seek out good people, encouraging students to cultivate empathy and develop communication and problem-solving skills.
All speeches were delivered by Haberdasher members.
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Following speeches, students had opportunity to practice and apply their leadership skills through three workshops:
- Body language and non-verbal communication – Mike Carter
- Building your leadership house and addressing your leadership challenges – Tom Vallings
- Lego challenge team building – Victoria Gordon
During workshops students were in mixed-school groups, presenting the additional challenge of working with students they had not met before. They considered their personal presentation through body language, worked together on real life student leadership challenges (gaining insight into each other’s contexts as well as reflecting on their own strategies) and were encouraged to take a purposeful approach to teamwork through a Lego-building challenge.
We asked students who had attended these workshops to share how they had applied this in their school community. Some had used the Lego activity themselves when working with younger year groups on developing leadership, others had applied body language techniques when speaking to peers in assembly and many had applied the challenges explored to set their strategy as a student leadership team. Students had also kept in touch following the conference, continuing to learn from each other’s experience and varied contexts.
