Significant improvements in street fundraising standards reported by IoF
Melanie May | 18 November 2016 | News
The total number of recorded rule infractions by street fundraisers has fallen by 62% according to half-year figures compiled by IoF Compliance, the directorate within the Institute of Fundraising created after September’s merger with the Public Fundraising Association.
While the average number of breaches in 2015/16 was 38 per month, this has reduced to 17 per month, while failure to provide solicitation statements has fallen by 74%.
A number of rules have also seen zero reported breaches, including wearing clearly branded charity clothing; approaching members of the public while they work; and approaching members of the public while seated or in cafes and restaurants.
Peter Hills-Jones, IoF compliance director, said:
“We have worked tirelessly with our members over the last two years to ensure high standards are at the core of what it means to be a good fundraiser. They have clearly stepped up to that challenge and I congratulate everyone who has contributed to this huge improvement.”
Stephen Dunmore, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator commented:
“We welcome the significant improvements in the way street fundraising by charities takes place, as shown in the half year compliance figures. Better practice by charities and the agencies that work for them, treating donors with respect, will encourage trust and confidence when the public is asked by street fundraisers to consider donating.”
The IoF carries out over 2000 undercover ‘mystery shops’ across the UK each year to ensure that members are regularly adhering to the requirements of the Street Fundraising Rulebook.
The IoF has also announced its intention to consult members on plans for a new accreditation programme designed to further strengthen fundraising standards. The programme will apply to all public fundraising agencies and any charity operating an in-house public fundraising team and will cover a wide range of issues related to fundraising standards, such as members’ training and compliance systems. The consultation will be launched before Christmas.
The IoF will also be consulting members on establishing a permanent mystery shopping programme for private site fundraising, which is not currently covered by IoF Compliance’s work programme.
Advertisement
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.