New code of conduct for fundraisers creates stronger rules but is still voluntary
The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) is to strengthen its code of practice in line with recommendations made by the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) this week.
Under the new codes fundraisers will have to comply with rules rather than leaving some things up to their own discretion. The use of the word "ought" in many clauses will be replaced with the word "must" to highlight that fundraisers should always follow the code.
The new code will also create strict rules for how charities tell people they can opt out of further contact, including specific wording to be used to highlight to donors that they can opt out of contact by telephone or mail.
The rules surrounding whether a charity can contact someone who is registered on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) will also be strengthened so that a donor must have made it very clear that they are happy to be contact despite being registered with the system.
I believe the combination of raising the standards of fundraising, alongside our commitment to introduce a new compliance regime, will further strengthen charities’ relationships with their supporters - Peter Lewis
The IoF standards committee has also set up four specific task-groups to look at the full range of issues raised by the FRSB report into concerns and complaints raised following the death of Olive Cooke last month. Each will be expected to ensure it fully considers the needs of vulnerable people in its recommendations. These groups will report back to the committee in the first instance within the next six weeks, so that it can make further decisions on then new code and guidance before the end of July.
The frequency and volume of approaches to individual donors will be examined so that donors do not feel “bombarded” by correspondence or “pressurised” into giving.
How individuals can more simply and easily manage their preferences on what fundraising communications they receive from charities will be the focus of the second task group.
What standards charities should have to comply with, over and above legal requirements, in relation to the buying, sharing and selling of data will also be examined.
The last task group will look at standards specifically related to telephone fundraising, including the introduction of Telephone Preference Service Certification requirements.
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the IoF, said: “Charities do an incredible amount of good work across the UK and abroad, a large proportion of it supported by the generosity of individual donors. It is critical charities retain their trust and confidence.
“I believe the combination of raising the standards of fundraising, alongside our commitment to introduce a new compliance regime, will further strengthen charities’ relationships with their supporters and ensure the very highest levels of accountability and transparency.
“I also want to work with partners and government to reach out to charities who are currently outside the self-regulation system, to ensure they embrace best practice standards by signing up to our code of practice and joining the FRSB.”
