Code Advice Service

The Code Advice Service allows you to contact the Fundraising Regulator with specific questions about the Code of Fundraising Practice and how it applies to your fundraising activity. The service is open to anyone, including members of the public, volunteers and professional fundraisers. 

The code applies across the UK, but our regulation is different in Scotland. You are welcome to use this service if you are based in Scotland, but we may refer you to another organisation if they are better placed to help you. 

Please be aware that the Fundraising Regulator cannot offer legal advice. You are responsible for making sure that you get the advice you need to meet any legal requirements. If there is a difference between the code and the law, you must follow the law rather than the code. See the section using the code for more information.

Before using the service

You may find it helpful to contact other organisations if your question is about any of these topics:  

• data protection or personal data: the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the main regulator in this area. For information about the Fundraising Regulator’s expectations around processing personal data, please see section 3 of the code
• lotteries or raffles: the Gambling Commission is the main regulator in this area. For information around the Fundraising Regulator’s expectations around lotteries, prize competitions and free draws, please see section 12 of the code
• setting up a charity: the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator provide guidance on this
• suspected fraud: this should be reported to Action Fraud or the police
• Gift Aid or tax queries: HM Revenue & Customs is the government body that oversees the rules on taxation. 

Information, links and resources 

We have a range of resources on our website to help make sure that your fundraising complies with our code and other relevant regulations. 

• Our fundraising topics pages provide information, links and resources on a variety of fundraising methods
• Our webinars provide further information on understanding and meeting fundraising standards 

Response time 

Once you submit your question to us, a member of our team will be in touch via your preferred method of contact. We aim to respond to messages within 7 days. However, during busier periods it may take up to 14 days to receive a response.