Regulator considers relaxing rules requiring fundraisers to be polite ‘at all times’

The Fundraising Regulator is proposing to relax rules requiring fundraisers to always be polite, as it looks to improve guidance for when charity workers encounter abuse or intimidation.

In proposals to amend the guidance the regulator concedes that the current “expectation to be polite ‘at all times’ could be a problem for fundraisers facing abuse or intimidation during their work”.

“The revised rule could include an expectation for fundraisers to always behave ‘professionally’, rather than “be polite’”, added the regulator.

“This adjustment could allow fundraisers to respond with appropriate assertiveness to inappropriate behaviour from potential donors and the public”.

Earlier this year a policy document published by think tank Rogere called for a code of conduct for donors to commit them to behave “in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner towards fundraising professionals”.

The Fundraising Regulator’s proposal has emerged in a 12-week consultation around changes to the Fundraising Code. Respondents have until 1 December to submit their views.

We invite all those interested in charitable fundraising to share their views on proposed changes to the code. You have until 1 December 2023 to help us ensure that the code remains effective and relevant for the future. Responses can be made online https://t.co/eUeuTsFVyL pic.twitter.com/93RRPQsz1f
— FundraisingRegulator (@FundrRegulator) September 6, 2023

This includes proposals to make the guidance more concise and combining sections, for example rules on messaging to mobile devices currently appear in a ‘digital’ section of the code and could “be better suited to appear” in its 'fundraising, communications and advertising' section.

“As part of the code review, the Fundraising Regulator will look at the code as a whole and consider how it can best meet its purpose of providing clear information for fundraisers and the wider public,” said the regulator.

In June the Fundraising Regulator announced it had appointed a former criminal investigator to be its first head of proactive regulation and projects. Jim Tebbett was appointed to the role to improve the regulator’s intelligence gathering and explore emerging issues.