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The myths about switching payroll providers (and why they're keeping you stuck)

The myths about switching payroll providers (and why they’re keeping you stuck)

There’s a good chance you’ve considered switching payroll providers at some point. Maybe your current service is declining, mistakes are happening more often, or perhaps you’ve outgrown what they can offer. But then the doubts creep in, and suddenly staying...

ISO 27701 privacy GDPR

The privacy standard you’ve never heard of (but should be asking your payroll provider about)

Since the UK GDPR and the new Data Protection Act came into effect in 2018, every business has claimed to be compliant. It’s expected. It’s promised. But can it actually be proven? That’s where ISO 27701 comes in. It is...

The importance of UKAS certification

Not all ISO certifications are created equal – why UKAS accreditation matters

Last week, we shared some exciting news: Ascend Payroll has been certified to three international quality standards. ISO 9001 – the standard for quality management ISO 27001 – Information Security Management System ISO 27701 – Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)...

Ascend Education announcement

Announcing our new Ascend.Education division

From 1st April 2026, we’re launching Ascend.Education – our dedicated payroll and pension service for schools, academies and MATs. Why we’re doing this Education payrolls are notoriously complex. Pay scales, backdated pay awards, and staff juggling multiple roles with different...

Lucy Brewitt - Pension Specialist

Lucy Brewitt joins Ascend Payroll as Pensions Specialist

On the anniversary of our first birthday, we’re delighted to welcome Lucy Brewitt to the team as our Pensions Specialist. Lucy brings over 15 years of pensions experience to Ascend, with a deep understanding of the complexities and regulatory requirements...

Onboarding payroll issues

Common payroll onboarding mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Switching payroll providers is a significant decision and, when done correctly, can transform your business operations. However, the payroll onboarding process is fraught with potential complications that can lead to compliance issues, financial penalties, and employee dissatisfaction. At Ascend Payroll,...

Ascend Payroll launch Multi_Level Approvals on Elementary

Multi-Level Payroll Approvals – your path to a smoother payday

Managing payroll is always critical, but when your organisation runs multiple payrolls (say, across different sites, departments, or branches), the approval process can quickly become a confusing maze of emails, spreadsheets, and internal sign-offs. This complexity isn’t just time-consuming; it...

Tom Spencer

Introducing Tom Spencer to Ascend Payroll

We are excited to introduce Tom Spencer, who has joined our growing team as Senior Payroll Professional. Having worked alongside Tom for over six years, we know exactly what an incredible addition he’ll be to the Ascend family. From chef...

Amy Smith

Meet Amy Smith, our new Deputy Head of Payroll Services

A big hello to Amy Smith, who has joined the Ascend team as Deputy Head of Payroll Services. Amy is an experienced payroll professional and someone we have worked with before, so we know what a great fit she will...

Victoria McKay

Meet our new Head of Payroll Services, Victoria McKay

We are delighted to introduce Victoria McKay, who has joined our expanding team as Head of Payroll Services. After working alongside Victoria for years, we knew she’d be the perfect addition to help us deliver our premium payroll service. From...