The Charity Commission has released guidance on new fundraising rules that come into effect today as part of the Charities Act 2016.
The “non-legal” document, titled CC15d, outlines rules on two key areas, including the reporting duties of trustees and charities working with professional fundraisers.
In particular it points to rules surrounding the need for agreements between charities and professional fundraisers and commercial participators – including requirements for charities to effectively monitor professional fundraisers.
It also points to the duty for professional fundraisers to protect the public, including vulnerable people, from “unreasonably intrusive” or “persistent fundraising approaches and undue pressure to donate”.
Auditing guidance outlined by the regulator, includes the need for registered charities to include additional information about fundraising practices in annual accounts – including how they work with professional fundraisers and deal with fundraising complaints.
In a statement by the regulator, Sarah Atkinson, director of policy and communications at the Charity Commission said: “Many in the sector are working hard to support these changes, and to review their own fundraising practices so that public trust can be restored”.
“The new Charities Act provisions will help charities to demonstrate that their donors and the public are treated with respect and protected from intrusive practices, and that recognised fundraising standards are always part of the picture where charities are working with a professional or commercial partner,” she said.
Yesterday the Fundraising Regulator said it will take a “flexible approach” to the new rules until March, to allow charities time to transition.
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