The Fundraising Regulator celebrates its second birthday

The Fundraising Regulator has turned two years old, and to mark the occasion, has reflected on a strong year for the Regulator at its annual review event in London.

Demonstrating the continued collaboration between the sector and the Fundraising Regulator, the regulator announced that over 3,200 charities are now registered with them, including 1,650 levy payers, nearly 1,500 smaller charities and nearly 90 fundraising agencies.

The Fundraising Regulator and sector also worked together over the year to ensure that the Code of Fundraising Practice, which outlines the standards expected of all charitable fundraising organisations across the UK, reflected changes in the charitable landscape.

In total eight updates were made to the Code, in consultation with the sector, most notably in relation to GDPR compliance and the responsibilities of online fundraising platforms.

The year 2017/18 also saw the Fundraising Regulator investigate and resolve over 1,000 complaints from members of the public and issue over fifty investigation decisions.

Other highlights from its annual review, which highlights the Regulator’s activities over the past year, include:

• In November 2017, the Fundraising Regulator welcomed its 1000^th charity registration.
• Extended remit to Northern Ireland after NICVA carried out extensive consultation concluding that charities in NI should join FR regulation.
• The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) has grown hugely in its first year and the service is now available in Welsh and in Northern Ireland.
• The appointment of two new board members – Jill Thomson and Kieron James – and Gerald Oppenheim becoming the Fundraising Regulator’s new CEO

Lord Grade, Chairman of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “Once again, it has been a really positive year for the Fundraising Regulator. We are pleased with the progress we have made across the board – including complaints handling, Code updates and guidance.

“We are very grateful to charities and fundraising agencies for their support and look forward to another successful year, working together to ensure fundraising meets the high standards donors expect.”

Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “This year has been both highly successful and busy. We are particularly delighted with the continued support we have received from the sector – most notably in our collaborative efforts in updating our Code of Fundraising Practice.

“As the new CEO of the Regulator, one of my priorities will be to deliver on the board’s three year strategic plan for 2018-21 which will include engaging with smaller charities to make sure their views on fundraising are heard. We will also continue to work with other regulators, fundraisers and the wider charity sector.”

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