The Institute of Fundraising (IoF) is to formally apply for chartered status as it looks to boost the profile and status of fundraising.
The organisation has announced that the Privy Council has granted it permission to apply for the status, which has been a strategic objective for the IoF for the last six years.
The IoF says the move will help raise the profile and status of fundraising within organisations, provide public recognition of the role of fundraising professionals and promote the profession’s standards.
Chartered status would also help people outside of the sector see fundraising as a credible career, particularly among those who are currently under represented in the profession.
Research by the IoF’s expert panel on equality, diversity and inclusion has found that fundraising professionals are most likely to be women and in junior roles, with under representation among black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and disabled people.
The IoF is to consult with members on the detailed proposals of the application before it is submitted.
“Working towards Chartered status has been a key priority for our members for several years,” said Peter Lewis, IoF chief executive.
“Now that we are able to continue our journey, I’m excited to consult with them on the detailed proposals before submitting our formal petition to the Privy Council for their decision.
“This is a really important step for the Institute, embedding professional standards at the heart of the fundraising community, and securing external recognition for the important role fundraisers play in today’s society raising vital funds to make the world a better place.”
A formal petition for the status is planned in July, with a decision by the Privy Council expected by the end of the year.
Alex Xavier, IoF director of individual membership, compliance and professional development, added: “Having worked for a Chartered membership body in the past, I have seen first-hand the many benefits it can bring. Should we be granted Chartered status as an Institute, it will give much deserved recognition and credibility to everyone in the profession.
“If we are subsequently given permission to award Individual Chartered status in a few years’ time, this will give our individual members who hold qualifications or equivalent experience the opportunity to apply to become chartered fundraisers – anticipated to be the pinnacle in professional recognition of knowledge, skills and ethical standards in fundraising.”
