Fraser Hudghton mounts an empassioned defence of professional fundraisers, some of the most hard working people in our sector

It may not be the most exciting topic but choosing the steps on our way forward for charity fundraising in Scotland is vitally important. The two reviews which took place over the summer in England and Scotland mean member organisations with oversight of fundraising regulation have spent months poring over various options presented and recommended for the sector.

Much of the rhetoric emanating from within and outwith the charity world highlights a gaping chasms in understanding of public fundraising.

Trustees pledging to get to grips with fundraising, with strategies for how their organisations will do this, are now commonplace. In addition criticism of fundraisers and fundraising is becoming more frequent.

Fundraisers themselves cannot be immune to criticism, they must raise their voices to contribute to this debate on the future of the regulatory environment in Scotland

Fraser Hudghton

At a time when all charities find themselves under immense financial pressure as a result of government cuts in Scotland and across the UK, turning ire towards fundraisers – who raise so much for Scotland's good causes – isn't the answer.

Professional fundraisers are amongst the most hard working in our sector, with a belief and passion for our causes which is second to none.

As a sector we need to take control of charity fundraising and ensure transparency in all its forms. But we also need professional fundraisers' expertise to remain central to our shared future working and campaigning environment.

At the Institute of Fundraising Scotland we launched a major member survey to ensure that those fundraising in Scotland get the chance to feed in their views ahead of the fundraising summit in late November.

Fundraisers themselves cannot be immune to criticism, they must raise their voices to contribute to this debate on the future of the regulatory environment in Scotland. Ultimately if you don't make yourself heard someone else will do so for you. The way to stop misunderstanding of fundraising is for fundraisers do the talking.

The fundraising summit at the end of the month offers an opportunity for an inclusive environment for charities big and small, fundraisers and trustees, to come together and speak with one voice on how our sector should face the challenges ahead.

I sincerely hope we all grasp this opportunity and produce a coherent vision for the way forward.