Updated rules for door-to-door, private site and street fundraising reflect the new Code of Fundraising Practice and strengthen standards across the Chartered Institute’s public fundraising programme.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) has published three revised Rule Books setting out the standards expected of organisations and individuals participating in its public fundraising programme.
The new Rule Books cover door-to-door fundraising; private site fundraising; and street fundraising.
Their publication follows the updating of the Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice and an extensive consultation with the Chartered Institute’s charity and fundraising agency members.
The Rule Books have been updated to reflect the latest relevant regulatory requirements, including the Fundraising Regulator’s Code and, where applicable, the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP).
They also contain additional rules developed specifically for the Chartered Institute’s public fundraising programme. These provide further clarity, consistency and safeguards in areas where members have agreed that additional requirements are needed to support good practice and protect public confidence in fundraising.
Each Rule Book clearly distinguishes between requirements derived from external regulation and rules specific to the Chartered Institute’s programme. They set out separate expectations for frontline fundraisers and operational staff, alongside the arrangements for assessing compliance, reporting breaches, applying sanctions and hearing appeals.
The additional CIOF rules include specific protections for households displaying no-cold-calling notices, greater transparency and accountability where fundraising agencies use subcontractors, the requirement for fundraisers to wear branded clothing, and detailed requirements governing permission, conduct and the responsible use of private and street fundraising sites.
Rob Cope, Executive Director of Membership & Operations at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said:
Public fundraising plays an important role in connecting charities with new supporters and raising vital funds for their work. Its continued success depends on fundraising being carried out legally, responsibly and with respect for every member of the public. These revised Rule Books give charities, agencies, operational teams and frontline fundraisers clear and consistent standards to follow. They align our programme with the new Code of Fundraising Practice and other relevant regulation, while retaining additional safeguards developed with our members. I would like to thank all the charity and agency members who contributed to our consultation. Their expertise and practical experience have helped us produce rules that are rigorous, workable and focused on maintaining high standards and public trust.
Paul Winyard, Director of Policy at the Fundraising Regulator, said:
Public fundraising is one of the charity sector’s most visible and direct points of engagement with the public, with every interaction providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships and inspire support. Getting these interactions right is vital to protecting the public from harm and maintaining trust and confidence in charitable fundraising. These new Rule Books provide fundraisers with clear and practical directions on how to engage with the public in a safe and responsible way. All public fundraisers should carefully follow the Rule Books which align with the recently updated Code of Fundraising Practice and other regulatory requirements.
