FRSB could simplify contract for small charities 2

Fundraising | Becky Slack | 7 Feb 2008

The Fundraising Standards Board is to consider revising its contract to make it easier for small charities to join following criticism that the complex nature of the document is deterring organisations from becoming members.

The eight-page document lists the various commitments member charities are legally obliged to fulfill, which range from fundraising in accordance with the Institute of Fundraising’s codes of practice and including the scheme's logo on all fundraising materials, to putting in place a complaints procedure which complies with the scheme’s requirements.

At a session at the NCVO’s annual conference on 20 February, several representatives from small charities said they had issues with the document. One delegate questioned why they should join when the document seemed to refer only to fundraising mechanisms their organisation didn’t use, while another said that employing a lawyer to look over the document was too expensive.

Jon Scourse, chief executive of the FRSB (pictured), said this wasn’t the first time such issues had been raised and as a result the contract would be reviewed at its next board meeting on 12 March. However, he was careful not to commit to making any changes.

He also argued that the scheme was not quite as arduous as some believe it to be. For example, member organisations are not required to comply with all codes of fundraising practice, only the ones relevant to the fundraising they undertake.

Scourse also announced that it would be another two years before the FRSB sought to measure public awareness of the scheme.

Directory: Fundraising Standards Board | National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
Who's Who: Becky Slack | Jon Scourse

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Fiona Rogan
Arts Development Manager
Scottish Community Drama Association
16 Jul 2008

We have not joined because we simply cannot afford the fees. We have to join so many bodies, such as our own sector organisations and also Institute of Fundraising and Arts Marketing Association - its endless. I sometimes have to pay the fees myself as my charity can't afford them. It seems that to cover ourselves completely and make sure we get the best advice and support, we need to join about 10 different bodies. The logo was seen as a kitemark, so people who can't afford to join may be unfairly judged by the public.

[Reply]

Tricia Mugridge
27 Feb 2008

I agree that the contract is too prescriptive for small charities. When the FRSB was first recruiting for membership I was telephoned by them to ask why we hadn't joined and I explanied that there was far too much involved for a charity with one fundraiser.

[Reply]

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