Thai Children's Trust's Andrew Scadding has never been a fan of the FRSB's constitution. So what made him change heart and choose to work with, instead of against, the fundraising regulator?

One of the many joys of being a chief executive is that one can change one’s mind. It is not something to be done frequently, which implies vascillation, or lightly, which suggests irresponsibility. But it is much easier to gauge the outcome of telling oneself "I got it wrong, we must change" than of looking one’s chief in the eye and saying "you got it wrong, we must change".

So it is with Thai Children’s Trust and the Fundraising Standards Board. After a couple of years of outright opposition, I changed my mind. Not lightly, but I think for good reason. I had an invitation to meet Alistair McLean, which I accepted. I met him over a convivial cup of coffee, liked him and liked the way he was setting about his job. I stopped knocking, and watched for several months.

Alistair’s approach has been thoughtful and constructive.  He has not knocked charities, nor has he sought scapegoats. FRSB has not courted publicity for its own sake. When it has spoken it has been quietly and clearly. This is a measured and sensible approach, which put me in something of a dilemma. Should we continue opposing the FRSB only because its constitution is rubbish, or should we join and work from the inside?

There are bigger issues than the constitution of FRSB. In tough times, donors need more than ever to know that the money they give to charities is honestly solicited. They must have an effective route to redress if they feel they have been misled. In a climate which I sense is veering towards hostility to fundraising charities, it is incumbent on fundraisers not only to adhere to best practice but to be seen to do so. The deciding factor was FRSB’s promotion of the much-needed Child Sponsorship Charter, a development which we could not help but support.

So somewhat to the surprise of Thai Children’s Trust Trustees and staff, it must be said, but with their support, we applied for membership.

I believe that fundraisers need and the donors deserve a well-run Fundraising Standards Board. That is what Alistair McLean is quietly delivering. (But I still want to change the constitution!)