The new rules will take effect later this year
The Fundraising Regulator has published a new Code of Fundraising Practice, set to take effect on 1 November 2025.
It delivers a proportionate approach to regulation that protects the public without placing undue constraints on fundraisers.
The new code, which is 45% shorter than the current code, has been designed to be clearer and easier to navigate for charities, fundraisers and the public.
Its principles-based format, which reduces the need for separate rules for each fundraising method, supports innovation in the sector – allowing fundraisers to apply the principles across a broad range of scenarios.
While clear guidelines remain on what fundraisers must always do and what is strictly prohibited, the principles-based format ensures that the code can be effectively applied to emerging technologies and novel fundraising techniques.
Informed by feedback from more than 200 organisations, the code is the result of an extensive consultation process taking place over the course of three years.
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “Over the past few years, and particularly since the pandemic, we have seen considerable change and innovation in the charitable fundraising sector.
“The new code is designed to remain relevant and responsive to future changes while maintaining rigorous standards to help fundraising organisations raise much-needed funds.
“It is clearer, shorter, and easier to understand – without sacrificing the specificity and clarity of the current code.
“Charities perform essential work in the UK and globally, against a difficult economic backdrop, to help those most in need.
“We are confident that the new code will help charities to maintain the excellent standards necessary for the public to maintain confidence and trust in fundraising – helping charitable fundraising to thrive.”
A six-month transition period will give charities and fundraisers plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the new code and update internal procedures before it comes into full effect on 1 November.
During that time, charity trustees will be responsible for reviewing the new Code of Fundraising Practice. The Fundraising Regulator has launched the new Code alongside a suite of resources to assist trustees and fundraising leads with understanding the Code and organising training.
This includes the Code Advice Service, a package of written support guides, a table of changes signposting specific revisions, and a series of webinars set to be held throughout the remainder of the year.
Any complaints received or investigations opened before 1 November will be assessed with reference to the current code, which will remain in operation throughout the transition period.
Paul Winyard, head of policy at the Fundraising Regulator, said: “The Code of Fundraising Practice is the bedrock of charitable fundraising. This is why over the past three years we have engaged extensively with the charity sector and others to ensure a range of voices could be heard in its first major review since 2019.
“We have assessed over 6,000 comments through an extensive three-stage consultation process. The result is a code that that is clearer, more flexible and better suited to modern fundraising.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank charities and fundraisers across the UK for their continued commitment to voluntary regulation and upholding standards that ensure public protection, accountability, and excellence in fundraising, now and into the future.”
