Guide to fundraising compliance for UK charities, including regulations, codes of practice, and best practices for ethical fundraising.
Fundraising for charities in the UK is regulated by the Fundraising Regulator and subject to the Charities Act 2011. All charitable fundraising must be conducted lawfully, ethically, and in accordance with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Trustees have ultimate responsibility for ensuring fundraising is appropriate and complies with regulations. This includes supervision of any staff or volunteers involved in fundraising, and oversight of third-party fundraisers.
Key compliance areas include honest representation, donor privacy, vulnerable person protection, and proper use of funds raised. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action and reputational damage.
Follow the Code of Fundraising Practice which sets standards for ethical fundraising. The code covers honesty, transparency, and respect for donors and supporters.
Protect vulnerable people from inappropriate fundraising approaches. Have policies and training to ensure staff and volunteers understand how to fundraise responsibly.
Comply with GDPR when collecting and using donor information. Obtain proper consent, keep data secure, and respect donor preferences for communication.
Report fundraising income and expenditure accurately in annual accounts. Disclose costs of fundraising and ensure funds are used as promised to donors.
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