The coalition aimed at improving public understanding of the sector is officially up and running following its launch at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Convention today.

The coalition, called ImpACT (Improving Accountability, Clarity and Transparency), is hoping to enlist the support of the top 100 fundraising charities and a representative section of smaller organisations.

Included within its work is:

• a set of principles coalition organisations can sign up to;
• a question and answer document to help answer public queries;
• the development of a new Code of Practice on accountability and transparency in fundraising;
• criteria to judge how well the coalition is working;
• a series of key messages to raise awareness of the way in which the sector works and the environment in which it does so;
• a long-term project to inspire TV and radio teams to generate positive programme ideas about charities.

Alan Gosschalk, director of Fundraising at Shelter and a leading member of ImpACT, said: “We believe it is vitally important that charities and voluntary organisations build on the massive support they already have among the British public. The ImpACT Coalition believes the best way to do this is for all of us to ensure that the public understand and support the work we do and understand the value we as a sector bring.”

To join the coalition, email campbell.robb@ncvo-vol.org.uk