The Fundraising Regulator has revealed plans to start collecting data from charities of all sizes for its annual complaints report (ACR).
Until 2023, the regulator collected data from a small number of large charities and reported the types of fundraising complaints they had received as part two of the ACR.
However, in response to a survey that received over 450 responses, the regulator announced plans to review how it collects data from the charities in 2023.
Writing in a blog post this week, the regulator’s policy specialist Claire Herbert, said its new research model will aim to “widen participation, deepen insights, and better reflect the sector’s needs”.
Additionally, Herbert said the regulator plans to improve the presentation of findings from its complaints data collection to make them more “accessible, user-friendly and interactive” for fundraisers.
The regulator said it aims to roll out the new data collection method from 2026.
Aims to widen participation
“Until now, part two of the ACR has largely focused on a small number of large fundraising charities,” wrote Herbert.
“While this has provided valuable insights, we know the sector would appreciate learning about a more diverse range of experience.
“Our new research model will seek to expand participation in data collection, making sure that charities of all sizes – including small and medium-sized organisations – can contribute.
“We know that involvement needs to be straightforward and manageable, so we’re designing the new approach with accessibility in mind.
“This will give more charities the chance to compare their fundraising activity and identify opportunities for strengthening their practices.”
Meanwhile, the regulator will continue to report on complaints it receives directly from the public, in part one of the ACR, separately from those submitted by charities.
This year’s ACR reported that activity by community interest companies (CICs) generated more than one in nine (12%) of the complaints made by members of the public to the regulator.
It also found that misleading information and door-to-door fundraising were some of the main causes of complaints about registered charities.
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