Jo Anderson is urging fundraisers to complete a short survey on the role of the Institute of Fundraising Scotland
It’s been 21 years since my first fundraising role and my, how much fundraising has changed in that time. For all those years I have been a proud fundraiser for different causes that meant something to me. In my first few weeks I also joined the Institute of Fundraising, and currently I sit on the Scottish Executive Committee.
Back then, it meant something to be part of my professional body, alongside other fundraisers, while establishing a career that was about helping and enabling others. It felt good to be a fundraiser. It still does.
It is frustrating when people don’t believe fundraising is a skilled profession. We need to be excellent relationship builders, creative thinkers, numerically astute, effective copy writers, social engagers, empathetic listeners, digital marketeers and innovators. Our commitment to best fundraising practice is important as we aim for strong and successful relationships with our donors and supporters.
So in a new world of fundraising regulation across the UK, and particularly in Scotland, the IoF Scottish Executive Committee has decided to use this moment to rethink its current plan. For those who may not be aware, the IoF has a devolved structure in Scotland that is led by an executive committee made up of volunteer fundraisers, with more than 100 years of fundraising experience between us.
The committee has delegated responsibility from the UK Board of Trustees to lead the strategic direction of the Institute in Scotland. For Scotland’s fundraisers this is your resource.
Through many conversations with fundraising colleagues across the sector, we know there is frustration. As fundraisers we all feel pride in delivering good fundraising practice for our donors. As techniques change and evolve, developing our skills, knowledge and experience is required of us. Our professional development is just as important today as it was before this review.
So we are asking you, Scotland’s fundraisers, to reflect on what it takes to help you achieve the highest standards and extraordinary results. Then tell us what you need. We already have some new ideas and thinking on what you might like to see the IoF do in Scotland. There is plenty of opportunity to add your own thoughts in the survey. It takes just five minutes to give your view, and will help to make great decisions for future delivery.
Whether you are a sole fundraiser or part of a larger fundraising team, the Institute should be here to support you. Have your say today, take the survey here.
Jo Anderson is director of external affairs at SAMH and a member of IoF Scottish executive Ccmmittee
