The Fundraising Regulator has launched the final phase of the review of the Code of Fundraising Practice (the code) with a consultation on a new draft code. This provides the opportunity for the sector to see and comment on the new streamlined code before it launches next year.
Respond to the consultation here.
The Code of Fundraising Practice sets the standards that apply to fundraising carried out by all charitable institutions and third-party fundraisers in the UK. The review is being undertaken to ensure the code provides an effective regulatory framework now and into the future.
The first part of the consultation process, which ran for twelve weeks last autumn, gathered feedback from anyone interested in charitable fundraising on proposals to update the code. In reviewing the responses, the regulator saw a high level of support for their proposals to streamline the code, move to principles-based rules, and replace rules where the Fundraising Regulator is not the lead regulator with signposting to relevant legislation and guidance.
The regulator has now finished redrafting the code and today marks the beginning of a second public consultation, which will run for eight weeks through September and October. This is an opportunity for fundraisers to review the new code and share their feedback.
It is vital that the new code works well for fundraisers, protects donors and the public, and enables the Fundraising Regulator to effectively regulate the sector. The regulator strongly encourages all those interested in charitable fundraising to review and provide feedback on the draft. Following the consultation, the regulator will produce the new code which is likely to be published in the spring next year, with a six-month transition period before the new code comes into force.
Commenting on the consultation launch, Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said:
“It is vital that the Code of Fundraising Practice is accessible, up-to-date, and provides clarity to charities, third-party fundraisers, and the public.
We were pleased to receive so many detailed responses to the initial public consultation, and to see the high level of support for our proposals. This has been invaluable in helping us prepare the draft code for this final consultation.
The opportunity to provide views on the new draft of the code is a key part of the review process. Our work with fundraisers and the wider charitable sector is vital in helping ensure that the code accurately reflects the current fundraising landscape, and we welcome all views on the updated rules.”