The Fundraising Regulator has identified three breaches of its Code of Fundraising Practice at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), which was also found to be in breach of the code last autumn in a separate investigation.
In its latest investigation, the regulator found that the charity had not taken into account the needs of a member of the church who may have been in vulnerable circumstances and who gave a large donation, despite evidence that the charity knew about their possible vulnerability.
UCKG is an international evangelical Christian denomination with churches in several countries worldwide, and is also currently subject to a Charity Commission compliance case over safeguarding concerns.
Lack of policies to support vulnerable donors
A complaint was first made by the sister of the UCKG member, who explained to the Fundraising Regulator that her sibling was vulnerable, having previously experienced problems with her mental health.
In addition to the large donation, the complainant also told the regulator that her sister was frequently asked for contributions towards charity activities while acting as a volunteer, as well as a 10% tithe for membership to the church.
At the time of the complaint, UCKG did not have policies, procedures, or training in place to help its staff identify and support donors in potentially vulnerable circumstances, the regulator found.
UCKG also claimed at the time that offerings made during religious services did not constitute charitable donations.
However, the regulator defines a donation as any gift that is voluntarily given and accepted without expecting something in return and noted that the charity claimed gift aid on this type of donation.
The regulator found the charity in breach of the code as it did not give any consideration to the possibility the donor could be in vulnerable circumstances.
It therefore recommended that the charity’s trustees consider whether it should refund any of the donor’s donations and explain their considerations in reaching their decision to the complainant.
Charity disagrees with some findings
Since the investigation’s launch, UCKG has cooperated fully with the Fundraising Regulator and has committed to recognising and identifying how it solicits donations and to considering its responsibilities under the code.
UCKG has also urgently agreed to compile and implement a comprehensive fundraising policy for donors who may be in vulnerable circumstances, alongside providing appropriate training for its fundraisers in this area.
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “In the course of its work, UCKG engages with many individuals who are in vulnerable circumstances.
“As such, it – like all charities operating in a similar context – has a particular responsibility to ensure that it implements appropriate policies and training to prevent exploiting vulnerable donors.
“We are pleased to have received engagement from the charity during the investigation process, and we will continue this engagement to make sure that our recommendations are enacted.
“It’s important for all charities to ensure their fundraising practices put donors’ needs and circumstances first, so that giving remains a positive experience for everyone and supports confidence in the sector as a whole.”
A UCKG spokesperson told Civil Society: “The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God acknowledges the publication of the Fundraising Regulator’s findings.
“As a UK-registered charity, UCKG accepts it is bound by the Code of Fundraising Practice and will implement the regulator’s recommendations in full.
“While we do not agree with all aspects of the findings, we respect the regulator’s role and have engaged constructively throughout.
“Our focus remains on maintaining high standards of care and transparency, while continuing our community and faith-based work across the UK.”
