The Fundraising Regulator, the independent self-regulator for charitable fundraising in the United Kingdom, was launched formally on 7 July 2016.
Established following the Etherington review of fundraising self-regulation (2015), the Fundraising Regulator’s purpose is to strengthen the system of charity regulation, improve practice and restore public trust in fundraising.
The role of the Regulator is to:
- Set and promote the standards for fundraising practice (‘the code’ and associated rulebooks) in consultation with the public, fundraising stakeholders and legislators.
- Investigate cases where fundraising practices have led to significant public concern.
- Adjudicate complaints from the public about fundraising practice, where these cannot be resolved by the charities themselves.
- Operate a fundraising preference service to enable individuals to manage their contact with charities.
- Where poor fundraising practice is judged to have taken place, recommend best practice guidance and take proportionate remedial action.
The Fundraising Regulator is governed by a 10-member non-executive Board of Directors, with a broad range of relevant experience, including of working in the charitable sector. The Board is chaired by Lord Grade of Yarmouth. More details are available at –www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk
New guidance for charities trustees about fundraising from the public – The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, released (June 2016) new guidance for charities trustees about fundraising from the public. Trustees have a key role in overseeing their charity’s fundraising and ensuring it reflects their charity’s values.