IoF Launches Single Code of Fundraising Practice

The Institute of Fundraising has replaced its 28 original codes of practice with just one code which applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The new code was published earlier this week on the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) website. The document is required reading for Institute members as it represents the standards set by and expected of all IoF members and corporate supporters.

IoF members are expected to conduct themselves in a legal, open, honest and respectful manner.

Chair of the IoF Standards Committee, Stephen Pidgeon said:

“Every word of the new code is now a professional requirement if you are an IoF member. I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring the Codes together as one Code that will continue to evolve, keeping up with changes and innovations in fundraising. Working in our sector is a privilege, but it also has its obligations. Contributing fully to our sector - particularly the public's view of it - is essential.”

The Single Code of Fundraising Practice is an 88 page document, half of which offers guidance on important issues related to fundraising, such as working with volunteers and third parties, direct marketing, digital media, trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships, events, and administration.

The other half consists of legal appendices which are useful as fundraising organisations may take a number of different legal forms and different laws apply to different types of organisations. The guidance is geared mainly to charities as they are the most heavily regulated type of fundraising organisation. The appendices cover topics such as paying trustees, the duties of trustees, acceptance and refusal of donations and data protection.

The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) has welcomed the new Code, against which the FRSB will continue to regulate fundraising practice.

FRSB Chief Executive, Alistair McLean said:

"The fundraising standards set out in the new streamlined Code clearly define what can and cannot be done when raising money for charity in the UK. It is against these standards that the FRSB continues to regulate and we welcome the clarifications made to guidance within, particularly around cash collections. Within the new Code, there is a clear focus on the overarching principles that constitute good fundraising and less ambiguity and duplication from one discipline to another".

The full document can be downloaded from the IoF website