It follows concerns about how charities use third party groups

The use of subcontractors in charity fundraising is to come under the spotlight as part of a major inquiry.

Held by the Fundraising Regulator (FR), it will examine how door-to-door and on-street fundraising subcontracts are arranged and monitored in the voluntary sector.

It follows concerns about how charities use third party groups following incidents in England and Wales.

Scotland has its own fundraising regulatory ecosystem, with the FR regulating the sector in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, it has a lead role where charities primarily registered in these three countries fundraise in Scotland. 

The inquiry will involve research, sector engagement, and workshops with relevant stakeholders to determine how best to monitor and regulate the use of subcontracting, to ensure charities are complying with the Code of Fundraising Practice.

Toby Harris, the chair of the Fundraising Regulator, said:“We always want to work with the sector to ensure that charitable fundraising is compliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice. However, the significant rise in the use of sub-contractors by fundraising agencies means that we and the charity sector need a better understanding of how these arrangements are created and monitored.

“This inquiry is intended to deepen that understanding and enable lessons to be drawn about how best such arrangements might be structured to ensure that the public are protected and the sector’s reputation is maintained.

“We are committed to working with the sector to understand how best to monitor and regulate the use of subcontracting. Our aim continues to be helping charities and fundraising agencies comply with the Code and fundraise responsibly, so the public has confidence and trust in the sector and charitable work can thrive.”