Peter Hills-Jones believes the debate about chugging has reached stalemate.
As someone new to the sector, the recent spate of face-to-face fundraising stories underlines the importance of moving forward from what has become to many a stalemated debate. The arguments presented on both sides – that charities need to use direct fundraising methods or that many people find them an irritant would certainly not come as a shock to anyone.
In the same way that no-one seriously advocates giving fishing fleets uncontrolled access to the sea, everyone wants to see a genuinely sustainable fundraising environment. How we achieve that shared goal, and through which methods, is surely the more potent question that needs to be answered if direct fundraising is to have a real and meaningful future.
Over the past 10 years, the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) has achieved a string of successes by working with local authorities to limit street fundraising through site management agreements. These represent a model of how, when charities recognise problems and create practical solutions, it works in both their and the public’s favour.
The pilot doorstep programme being pursued by the PFRA in London is another example of the sector’s commitment to improving standards and strengthening public confidence in the efficacy of modern fundraising methods. By examining both charities and agencies own training courses and shadowing teams on the doorstep, we are building up a better picture of where more attention is needed.
Our commitment, and our challenge, is to make face-to-face fundraising work in the best interests of those asking, giving and receiving.
Peter Hills-Jones is head of policy and communications at the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association
