Charities are being urged to ensure they have clear policies and training in place to ensure their fundraisers do not unfairly target vulnerable donors.

The call has been made in the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF)’s Treating Donors Fairly guidance that also reminds fundraisers that if a potential donor needs additional support it “does not necessarily mean someone lacks the capacity to make a donation”.

“Treating donors fairly is an organisational responsibility,” says the guidance, which was last updated five years ago.

It is “not something that should fall solely on individual fundraisers” and “charities need clear policies, regular staff and volunteer training, management support and effective oversight of fundraising agencies and other third parties”, adds the guidance.

It also states that fundraisers should treat each person as a “individual, giving them the information, time and support they need to make an informed choice” and adapt their approach accordingly.

This could involve allowing more time for people to decide and providing information in accessible formats or offering to continue a conversation later.

Knowing when to pause or stop a fundraising request is also important “if there are concerns about a someone’s ability to make an informed decision”.

Record keeping also need to be robust to note and respond to any concerns while protecting “personal and sensitive information”.

Treating supporters fairly

CIoF director of policy and communications Claire Stanley said: “Fundraising should be a positive experience for everyone. Every supporter deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect, and to feel confident that they are making an informed choice about giving.

“Anyone can experience vulnerable circumstances, but that doesn’t mean they should be excluded from supporting causes they care about. Fundraisers need to listen, avoid making assumptions and understand when someone might need extra time or support.
“Getting this right isn’t just about individual fundraisers making good decisions. Charities must give their staff and volunteers the training, policies and management support the need to respond confidently and sensitively.

“We hope this updated guidance encourages charities to look at their own practices and make sure they’re doing everything they can to put supporters’ needs first.”

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

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

---