The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) has published updated public fundraising rule books to reflect practice changes around public protection and transparency.

The guidance covers door to door, private site and street fundraising and follows the publication of the Fundraising Regulator’s updated Code of Fundraising Practice and after consultation with CIoF members.

Rulebook changes include bolstering protection of homes that display ‘no-cold calling’ notices.

Fundraisers are warned not to cold call in an areas where a No Cold Calling Zone has been established. They must not knock on any door with signs saying ‘no cold-calling’, ‘no cold-callers’, ‘no charities’, or ‘no charity fundraisers’.

“Furthermore, legal advice obtained by the CIOF notes that knocking on a door which has a clear ‘no cold calling’ sign or sticker displayed, could be interpreted as an ‘aggressive practice’ under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024,” adds the guidance.

They also cover the need for greater transparency and accountability around fundraising agencies’ use of subcontractors.

Requirements for fundraisers to wear branded clothing are also included as well as around their conduct.

Where applicable they also consider the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.

CIoF says the new guides aim to “provide further clarity, consistency and safeguards in areas where members have agreed that additional requirements are needed to support good practice and protect public confidence in fundraising”.

They also set out expectations from frontline fundraisers and operational staff around issues such as compliance, reporting breaches, applying sanctions and hearing appeals.

“These revised Rule Books give charities, agencies, operational teams and frontline fundraisers clear and consistent standards to follow,” said CIoF membership and operations director Rob Cope.

“They align our programme with the new Code of Fundraising Practice and other relevant regulation, while retaining additional safeguards developed with our members.

“I would like to thank all the charity and agency members who contributed to our consultation. Their expertise and practical experience have helped us produce rules that are rigorous, workable and focused on maintaining high standards and public trust.”

Fundraising Regulator director of policy Paul Winyard added: “Public fundraising is one of the charity sector’s most visible and direct points of engagement with the public, with every interaction providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships and inspire support.

“Getting these interactions right is vital to protecting the public from harm and maintaining trust and confidence in charitable fundraising.”

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