The Cabinet Office has announced that it has accepted all of the proposals made in the Etherington Review, including the Fundraising Preference Service, as part of a crackdown on "unethical" fundraising.
In a statement released on Saturday, Rob Wilson, minister for civil society (pictured) said that large charities – defined as those which spend £100,000 a year or more on fundraising – could be forced to sign up to the new Fundraising Regulator.
Wilson also said that the new watchdog “will have new powers to intervene and regulate” the sector. He said that the new changes meant there was now “no more excuses for charity fundraisers” when it comes to best practice.
The government also confirmed that the sector itself will pay for the new Fundraising Regulator, which will now be tasked with setting the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Sir Stuart's proposed 'Fundraising Preference Service' will also be bought into effect, with the full support of the government.
“The new fundraising watchdog will make sure large charities adhere to a strict code of good practice, which includes protecting the identity of those who give them donations.
“Anyone who is inundated with fundraising marketing material from charities will be able to press “reset” and stop receiving this material.”
Wilson said that the changes would also “further bolster changes in the Charities Bill” that will allow the Charity Commission “more teeth to tackle abuse” by fundraising organisations.
“Charitable giving is one of the most decent and generous attributes of a civilised society – and we need to rebuild people’s faith in the big charities. Those who give to charity should know their donation is going to further a worthy cause and this trust will never be abused.
“We are building a new regulatory structure to make sure the right safeguards exist to protect those people at risk of exploitation. This should help the charities to draw a line under previous bad practice and I hope we will see even more people making donations and giving their time to help others in the months and years ahead.”
Sir Stuart and the Commission respond
Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO and the authour of the review, said: “I’m pleased the government has accepted our recommendations, there is a clear need for a more visible and effective regulator with tough new powers.
"The public have to know where to report their concerns and have confidence that action will be taken in relation to wrong doing. This will inevitably mean big changes in relation to how charities raise funds from the public.
"I know that charities understand the necessity of restoring public trust and are aware that changes are required. I’ve agreed with the minster that we should move quickly towards implementation and look forward to working with the bodies affected and others in the charity sector to work through the finer details.”
William Shawcross, chair of the Charity Commission, called the Review an "important step" towards better regulation for the sector.
"Sir Stuart’s review was an important step towards rebuilding public trust in charity fundraising and I welcome the government’s endorsement of his recommendations.
"Charities must now step up to reform and strengthen self-regulation, and to show that they can and will put the public interest first. The Charity Commission will play its part to support the development of the new fundraising regulatory body."
