The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) has created a professional conduct committee to oversee the organisation’s complaints process as part of efforts to improve its safeguarding activity.

Setting up the seven-member committee is the latest move in measures taken by the CIoF to better protect its members after it was rocked by a sexual harassment scandal three years ago.

It had been criticised by its members for “lacking purpose, vision and strategy” in its handling of complaints of sexual harassment.

This included concerns that the CIoF was “gaslighting” victims and had failed to deal with allegations swiftly and effectively.

In 2022 domestic abuse charity Refuge severed links with the CIoF due to ongoing concerns over the safety of women following the sexual harassment scandal.

Four allegations of sexual harassment by a CIoF fellow were upheld in 2021.

CIoF head of professional conduct Michele Welch said the professional conduct committee members are “highly engaged and committed”.

Already the committee has carried out an evaluation of current policies and procedures and made recommendations on changes.

“We understand that addressing complaints and concerns is crucial to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment,” said Welch.

“All feedback will be supported with sensitivity and confidentiality.

“We encourage open communication and value the input of our community members in helping us improve the safety of the fundraising sector.”

The committee is chaired by solicitor Lindsey Bartling, who is a deputy district judge.

“In developing and improving current policies and procedures, we need to be able to critically analyse what currently exists,” said Bartling.

“The committee has already started to consider best practice and examples from other organisations, with some members bringing direct insight from other committees they have been involved with.”

Over the coming year committee members are to review the CIoF’s code of conduct and code of behaviour, as well as advise its trustees on how professional conduct standards can improve.

The committee meets three times a year and provides an update report at every CIoF trustee meeting.

“I anticipate we will meet more frequently in the beginning and communicate outside of those meetings to fulfil our role,” added Bartling.

“Where there is concern that conduct does fall below expectations, we will ensure that the complaints and disciplinary policies are effective and work for members at the crucial moment they might need them.”

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