The Fundraising Regulator has turned two years old. The occasion is being marked at the second annual review event in London, which also reflects back on a strong year.
To demonstrate collaboration with the sector it was announced that over 3,200 charities are now registered with the Regulator. This includes 1,650 levy payers, nearly 1,500 smaller charities and nearly 90 fundraising agencies.
Work was also done over the year with the sector to ensure that the Code of Fundraising Practice reflected changes in the charitable landscape. The Code outlines the standards expected of all charitable fundraising organisations across the UK.
Once again, it has been a really positive year for the Fundraising Regulator. We are pleased with the progress we have made across the board.
In total eight updates were made to the Code after consultation with the sector. Most notably in relation to GDPR compliance and the responsibilities of online fundraising platforms.
The year 2017/18 also saw the investigation and resolution of over 1,000 complaints from members of the public. The Regulator issued over fifty investigation decisions.
The annual review looks at the activities of the Regulator during the past year. Other highlights include:
- The 1000th charity registration in November 2017
- Extended remit to Northern Ireland after NICVA found that charities in NI should join FR regulation – a result of their extensive consultation
- The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) has grown hugely in its first year and the service is now available in Welsh and in Northern Ireland.
- The appointment of two new board members – Jill Thomson and Kieron James – and Gerald Oppenheim becoming the new CEO
Lord Grade, Chairman of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “Once again, it has been a really positive year for the Fundraising Regulator. We are pleased with the progress we have made across the board – including complaints handling, Code updates and guidance.
“We are very grateful to charities and fundraising agencies for their support and look forward to another successful year. We will work together to ensure fundraising meets the high standards that donors expect.”
Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “This year has been both highly successful and busy. We are particularly delighted with the continued support we have received from the sector – most notably in our collaborative efforts in updating our Code of Fundraising Practice.
“As the new CEO of the Regulator, one of my priorities will be to deliver on the board’s three year strategic plan for 2018-21 which will include engaging with smaller charities to make sure their views on fundraising are heard. We will also continue to work with other regulators, fundraisers and the wider charity sector.”