What is the Institute of Fundraising?
The Institute of Fundraising writes the Codes of Fundraising Practice that guide the way in which charities behave when they are fundraising. The Codes exist in addition to a wide range of laws that cover a diversity of fundraising activities.
While the Codes are not legally binding in themselves, and are there for self-regulation, they do highlight legal obligations which must be adhered to. Some charities have chosen to make a public commitment to meeting the best practice standards set out in the Codes by joining the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) scheme, allowing the FRSB to regulate them in a formal manner.
What is the Fundraising Standards Board?
The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) runs the self-regulating scheme for fundraising bodies in the UK. The Institute of Fundraising led the way in establishing the FRSB and providing the standards for self-regulation.
Why was the Fundraising Standards Board created?
The Fundraising Standards Board came about as a result of recommendations made in "Private Action, Public Benefit" a 2002 government report on charity law and regulation. The objective was to create a voluntary opt-in membership scheme whereby fundraising organisations would commit to adhering to the Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Fundraising Practice as well as the FRSB’s Fundraising Promise and using the FRSB tick logo on fundraising materials.
The ultimate aim is to increase public confidence in fundraising and ensure accountability and transparency in fundraising activities throughout the UK.
What are the key aims of the self-regulatory scheme?
- To oversee a transparent and independent scheme for fundraising, encouraging high standards in fundraising
- To make sure that people can give with confidence to charities
- To listen and help resolve any concerns or complaints the public might have about our members' fundraising
What is the composition of the Fundraising Standards Board?
The Fundraising Standards Board is led by a board consisting of 12 members, balanced between public and sector interests, and comprising a Chair, representatives from the major voluntary sector bodies in the UK, a representative from the consumer body Which? and five lay board members.
Who can join the Fundraising Standards Board?
The Fundraising Standards Board self-regulatory scheme is open to any not-for-profit organisation that raises funds from the public and to suppliers providing fundraising services to the sector.
To obtain an application pack, e-mail membership@frsb.org.uk, ring the FRSB on 0845 402 5442 or apply online at www.frsb.org.uk.
What will you need to do as an FRSB member?
Members of the Fundraising Standards Board scheme will need to:
- Ensure they understand and comply with the relevant Codes of Fundraising Practice and the Fundraising Promise.
- Be aware of their organisation’s complaints handling and evaluation procedures.
- Ensure fundraising materials contain the FRSB tick logo and promote the Fundraising Promise wherever possible.
- Nominate a complaints co-ordinator.
What are the Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Fundraising Practice?
The Codes of Fundraising Practice are the best practice standards for fundraising in the UK. At the moment, they comprise a set of 28 Codes related to various fundraising techniques and an overarching Code of Conduct.
The Institute of Fundraising's Codes of Fundraising Practice highlight what is mandatory at law for all fundraisers, what the Institute regards as a mandatory requirement for its members, and what constitutes advice on best practice in fundraising.
Members of the Institute adhere to the Codes; many incorporate this requirement into fundraisers’ job requirements. Community and voluntary organisations and members of the public refer to the Codes to determine what constitutes best practice in fundraising.
How can you contribute to the development of the Codes of Fundraising Practice?
Codes are developed by members of the Institute who volunteer to sit on working parties. Draft Codes are vetted and approved by the Institute’s Standards Committee and then undergo a 12-week consultation period. Anyone is entitled to submit recommendations or changes to the draft Code during the consultation period. The full range of Codes of Fundraising Practice can be downloaded from the Institute’s website: www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk.
How are complaints judged?
The Fundraising Standards Board Fundraising Promise is the keystone against which complaints will be judged, together with the Institute’s Codes of Fundraising Practice. The Fundraising Standards Board Fundraising Promise is a promise made to the public by charitable fundraisers in the UK, committing to the highest standards of practice, and ensuring that all their activities are open and fair, honest and legal.
By signing up to the FRSB scheme fundraising organisations agree to adhere to the Fundraising Promise and abide by the Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Fundraising Practice.
Resources and contact details
Fundraising Standards Board
Institute of Fundraising
