Whyte, the former director of public and legal affairs at the Direct Marketing Association, will also work closely with members that have received a complaint to ensure they abide by the standards set out in the FSB’s fundraising promise. She will also be responsible for analysing complaints data and identifying trends, including the fundraising methods that attract the most criticism.

“We are delighted to announce Jo’s appointment and to welcome her to the team,” said FSB chief executive Jon Scourse. “Ensuring that we handle complaints in an impartial and transparent manner is paramount to the success of the scheme. Jo’s skills and experience will enable us to do that.”

The appointment followed the announcement of the date for the public launch of the FSB, which is now set for 12 February. Scourse said he expected the event to attract widespread coverage. In the first week of January the FSB had signed up 151 members, but it claimed a further 600 had registered interest in joining.

Scourse warned those waiting to sign up that they “risk missing out” during the public launch. “Membership is a practical and visible way to demonstrate good organisational governance and reassure the public that their trust in charities is well placed, not taken for granted,” he added.