Regulation of fundraising should be simplified and clarified to boost fundraising efforts, according to Institute of Fundraising evidence submitted to an official review today.

Responding to Lord Hodgson’s review of the Charities Act 2006, the Institute says organisational understanding and public confidence would both be helped by a fresh approach to regulation.

“We believe that Lord Hodgson has an excellent opportunity to simplify and clarify arrangements in order to boost giving and benefit charities, “said IoF chief executive Peter Lewis.

“For example, when it comes to the rules around public collections our members tell us that the current system is fragmented and inconsistent. This has led to a situation which is difficult to enforce, hard to police and confusing for both the general public and collecting organisations alike.”

The Institute also believes that the current system of fundraising self-regulation could be further improved but warns against creating a system which saddles charities with extra costs.

“Self regulation has had a really positive effect on transparency and accountability in charity fundraising – those organisations that have signed up to the Institute’s Codes of Fundraising Practice and are members of the FRSB are sending out a clear message that they are committed to the highest standards in fundraising,” added Lewis.

“The IoF is committed to continuing to develop and improve the Codes to meet the changing needs of fundraisers and concerns of the public. Consumer confidence is very important so we would certainly encourage Lord Hodgson to look at the introduction of a universal system of self regulation but only if this can be done at no extra cost to charities.”

To view the Institute’s evidence submitted to the Hodgson Review of the Charities Act 2006 visit: here.

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