Lord Grade has term extended as chair of Fundraising Regulator

10 Jul 2017 News

Lord Michael Grade of Yarmouth will remain as the chair of the Fundraising Regulator until the end of 2018, the regulator confirmed last week.

Lord Grade took on the chair role at the regulator on an interim basis in November 2015, for a 12 month period. His term was extended in January this year, when it was announced he would stay on until the end of last month, although there had previously been suggestions that the role would be open to competition.

Lord Grade has proved a controversial choice as the chair of the regulator, prompting criticism in the sector after referring to fundraisers as “rogues and cowboys” and suggesting he lies to and threatens to sue fundraisers who approach him personally.

In recent interviews he incorrectly described how the regulator’s new Fundraising Preference Service works. His description of the fundraising community in those interviews prompted the chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising to issue a public rebuke, saying he was “saddened and frustrated” by the tone Lord Grade had taken.

Lord Grade works at least 4 days a month and earns £500 a day for his role as the regulator's chair.

Stephen Dunmore, the regulator’s chief executive, is also in the role on an interim basis and has had his term extended. He has formally agreed to remain in post until September, and is now expected to remain until at least the end of the year.

 

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