The Fundraising Regulator has found that a community interest company (CIC) tackling homelessness breached its code on seven counts after concerns were flagged up about one of its fundraiser's “extremely aggressive” behaviour.

Its investigation was launched into Homeless in Need CIC after a council raised concerns about a fundraiser who was collecting cash without the relevant permission outside a shop in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

When questioned by the local authority officer the fundraiser became “extremely aggressive” and refused to move on when asked.

The regulator found that the CIC had breached its code in several areas and that the fundraiser’s behaviour “did not meet the standards accepted”.

Three breaches relate to the fundraiser’s behaviour, one to their collection of money without permission, and three further breaches were found around standards that apply to specific locations.

“We also found that the CIC did not have the necessary permissions to fundraise on public land and that while it said the fundraiser had verbal permission from the shop “it could not evidence this,” said the regulator.

The CIC has accepted the regulator’s ruling and that its fundraiser “acted inappropriately” and “had been rude”.

The regulator added: “We will liaise with them regarding our recommendations and compliance with these.”

In addition, it will share its findings “with the local authority that submitted the complaint” as well as the Office of the Regulator of Community Interest Companies.

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