Institute of Fundraising introduces new guidance to protect vulnerable clients
New guidance has been introduced by the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) when engaging people who are vulnerable.
The new rule, approved by the IoF's standards committee and board, sets out to treat all donors fairly, enabling them to make informed decisions and taking into account the needs of individuals who may be in a “vulnerable circumstance”.
It comes after a series of complaints relating to fundraisers who’d failed to take account of clients circumstances with some unduly pressurising them to donate.
The changes to the code and accompanying guidance is a welcome step forward - Alistair McLean
The new rule, which comes into force with immediate effect, states: “Fundraisers ought to take all reasonable steps to treat a donor fairly, enabling them to make an informed decision about any donation.
”This ought to include taking into account the needs of any potential donor who may be in a vulnerable circumstance or require additional care and support to make an informed decision.”
Tanya Steele, chair of the Institute of Fundraising standards committee and executive director of Fundraising at Save the Children, said the changes had been made to increase public confidence and for donating and fundraising to be be a positive experience for everyone.
“The change we’ve made to our Code of Practice recognises the need for fundraisers to treat all donors fairly and provide the additional support for individuals who may be in a vulnerable circumstance so that everyone can make an informed decision about their donation,” she said.
“It is in the interests of us all to make sure that every organisation is following best practice, and the additional new guidance will help fundraisers prepare and react appropriately to the needs of donors.”
In April animal welfare charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) was asked to refund a donation after it was accused of “knowingly taken advantage” of an elderly, mentally ill woman in accepting cash from her.
Alistair McLean, chief executive of the Fundraising Standards Board, said: “It should not be underestimated how real the challenge is for fundraisers to identify people who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances and to act appropriately.
“The changes to the code and accompanying guidance is a welcome step forward that will give fundraisers greater clarity about what actions are acceptable and recommended in these situations, reinforcing public trust and confidence.”
