The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (“the Institute”) is the professional body for fundraising and is committed to excellence in fundraising.
Through joining the Institute all of our individual members, organisational members and corporate supporters commit to complying with all the standards set out in the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice.
In addition to adhering to the Code of Fundraising Practice, we require all of our individual members to adhere to the standards and behaviours (“the standards”) set out in the Institute's Code of Conduct. The standards apply to all individual members, at whatever stage of their career, sector or specialism.
Members commit to upholding and maintaining these standards at all times. These standards and behaviours are required in relation not only to their supporters, colleagues, volunteers and beneficiaries but also to the charity sector and general public more widely. Every person who volunteers with, works for, or comes into contact with a fundraiser should be treated with dignity and respect, and feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
Individual Members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising must act in accordance with the following standards:
1. Professional Standards and Behaviour
- Follow, without exception, all applicable laws, regulations and professional conduct standards, and interpret them in accordance with being legal, honest, open and respectful.
- Uphold the highest professional standards of personal conduct in every professional situation and accept responsibility for your own professional actions and decisions.
- Promote an inclusive environment that is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination.
- Maintain a level of professional knowledge and competence appropriate to your responsibilities.
- Commit to continuous learning to ensure your knowledge and skills are up to date.
- Seek appropriate support if required.
2. Ethical Standards and Integrity
- Act with integrity and avoid any acts, omissions or practices which harm supporters, beneficiaries, your organisation, the fundraising community or the general public.
- Act honestly at all times, prioritising the interests of supporters and beneficiaries, and being a steward of their interests for the benefit of the organisation, the fundraising community and wider society.
- Be alert to, and manage openly, any conflicts of interest.
3. Representative of the Profession
- Act always in a way which supports and upholds the reputation and values of the fundraising profession and of the Institute.
- Comply with prevailing laws and regulations, and challenge others whom you suspect may be involved in unlawful or unethical conduct or behaviour, taking appropriate action as required.
- Act positively and in a manner that increases public understanding of fundraising.
- Promote the professional development of others in the sector.
4. Your Commitment
As a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, I commit to the highest standards of fundraising as set out in this Code of Conduct, and to abide by the Code of Fundraising Practice at all times.
I aim to ensure the best experience for every person I come into contact with as I play my part in creating a better world.
And as a member of the fundraising community I commit to my own and others’ personal and professional development, and to the Institute’s vision – Excellent fundraising for a better world.
The purpose of the Institute’s Code of Conduct is to ensure that fundraising professionals, when faced with decisions or scenarios, undertake the correct course of action in order to ensure positive outcomes for supporters, the charity sector and the general public.
Members can seek further advice and guidance about the Code of Conduct from the Institute by contacting membership@ciof.org.uk.
The Institute takes seriously any concerns regarding alleged breach of the Code of Conduct and will investigate any complaints or allegations of misconduct under the Disciplinary and Complaints procedures.
As a first point of call you can email a complaint to complaints@ciof.org.uk or by using our reporting tool, Talk to Spot.