OSCR reminds regulator where it stands

Scotland’s charity regulator has posted a tongue-in-cheek response on Twitter after the Fundraising Regulator claimed its Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) applied to “all charities.”

The regulator, which launched the service last month, tweeted that it applies to all charities “whether registered with us or not”.

However a slightly peeved OSCR took umbrage and reminded the regulator – along with a smiley face – that the FPS doesn’t apply to charities that only work in Scotland.

While the FPS has jurisdiction over UK-wide charities, it has no governance over charities working only in Scotland.

Fundraising by charities only registered in Scotland is subject to Scottish charity law and the Scottish system of self-regulated fundraising through the Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel.

One twitter user responded: “Legendary arrogance. England isn’t Scotland. Worrying you can’t get that right.”

Another user said: “All charities? Well seen Lord Grade used to be Morcambe and Wise’s agent!”

In its first month of operation the FPS logged 6,305 suppressions requests - effectively complaints made by the public asking for communications from a particular charity to cease.