Bacs are keen for ALL Service Users to have effective plans in place to ensure that Bacs transactions can always go ahead as intended. Having an arrangement with a Bureau for Contingency processing is the best way to ensure this.
We recommend that all users have a relationship set up with a bureau that can submit on your behalf if needed
Bacstel-IP Service Guide
Section 2.3.3. Contingency Planning
For Service Users that submit to Bacs using Approved Software, Bacs recommend linking to a Bureau for contingency purposes. This would enable the bureau to submit transactions to Bacs on the Service Users behalf should any issues prevent the Service User from submitting directly. Common issues could include:
- software failure
- connection problems
- smartcard issues (such as smartcard expiry, loss or damage)
- HSM (Hardware Security Module) issues – e.g. certificate expiry
- unplanned staff absence
- changes in processes, bank sponsorship or as a result of Bulk Changes
- changes to, or re-configuration of, CRM software.
Consider your contingency needs and ensure you have no single points of failure that could stop you
from sending payment information.
Bacstel-IP Service Guide
Section 2.3.3. Contingency Planning
Reducing Risk
For Service Users using their own software, linking to a bureau for contingency reasons can ensure an alternative submission method that mitigates the risks of being unable to process. Consider the impact of not being able to collect your organisations income. Having contingency processing options in place are akin to taking out an insurance policy. It’s an approach that can mitigate the risk of cashflow issues, lost income, additional administration and negative company image.
Reasons to link to Movimo’s Bureau for Contingency
As an Approved Bacs Bureau, Movimo is subject to a rigorous approval and audit process. 
In addition, Movimo is an Accredited Bacs Training provider. We have a team of industry experts on hand who have been managing Direct Debit Bureau for years and they are here to support you should you have any questions. This means you can have complete confidence that you are in good hands!
Peace of Mind
Secure, encrypted & resilient processes with built-in contingencies and back-ups
Quick and Easy
Quick to set-up and can be used as often or as little as needed
Cost effective
Affordable and transparent pricing. Low set-up fee and charges only if service is used
Smartcard free
No need for Smartcards so no concerns over loss, damage or expiry. No need for expensive HSMs
FAQs
Yes! Service Users are able to operate both as Direct Submitters (where the Service User has their own software and submits directly to Bacs, and, Indirect Submitters (where a Bacs Approved Bureau submit transactions on the Service Users behalf).
Where a Service User has their own Bacs Approved Software, it is recommended to also link to a Bureau for contingency purposes. It is possible to submit as standard using software but still have the option to use the Bureau of there are issues preventing direct submission.
Yes! It is possible for Service Users to link to more than one Bureau. It is quite common for organisations to use one Bureau for Payroll and a different Bureau for Direct Debit Collections.
Costs for Bacs Approved Bureau services depend on the number of Service User Numbers (SUNs) you have, the volume of transactions and the frequency with which you use the service. For Bureau for Contingency services there is typically:
- a small, one-off, set-up fee,
- a small annual charge each year to maintain the service (including all testing and test submissions), and
- file charges IF the service is used.
If you wish to obtain a specific quote, please contact us for a no obligation quote.
If you want to use a Bacs Approved Bureau you need to ask your sponsoring bank to link your Service User Number (SUN) to the Bureau User Number (BUN). This indicates that you are giving authority for the Bureau to submit transactions on your behalf. Typically this link can be requested over the telephone or via email by one of the Organisations Primary Security Contacts. Some banks will ensure the link is in place within 2 hours – for others it may require overnight activation but it can be a quick and simple process to do.
It is very quick and easy to start using the Movimo Bureau.
- We will ask you to sign a Contract with us
- You will need to ask your bank to link your Service User Number to our Bureau User Number.
- We will undertake set-up and testing
- We will confirm we are ready to process live files for you when needed!
We can have you up and running in a matter of days. On occasion we have even undertaken same day set-up and submission. You can contact us for a no obligation quote and further information.