Over 1,300 suppression requests made in first 12 hours of FPS

07 Jul 2017 News

The Fundraising Preference Service saw a total of 1,312 requests for suppressions in less than 12 hours on its first day of launch.

The FPS allows members of the public to opt out of communication from as many charities as they like, although they are only allowed to select them three at a time. It applies to communications to charities via email, phone, text and addressed direct mail.

It covers communications to an individual, rather than a phone number or address, and is mandatory to all charities.

Suppressions, which are requests to cease communications from one particular charity, were made by 614 individuals on the day of launch. They were made in just under 12 hours between its time of launch at 5am and 4:45pm, the Fundraising Regulator has said.

Stephen Dunmore, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, which runs the service, said: “The launch of the FPS is a big moment for the Fundraising Regulator and a crucial step in ensuring that the trusting relationship between the sector and the public is rebuilt. The high sign up numbers indicate a clear desire from members of the public to have greater control over which charities contact them and how they do it.

“The figures also indicate that many charities have some way to go in how they communicate with individuals. That said, we are very encouraged by the progress that is being made by the charity sector in ensuring that fundraising is ethical and respects the wishes of the donor.”

 

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