New measures to protect the vulnerable from aggressive fundraising tactics are to be introduced as an amendment to the Charities Bill today.

A review of the self-regulatory model for fundraising has also been launched to establish whether further powers are needed.

The Cabinet Office announced on the weekend that the new measures require all new fundraising contracts between charities and fundraisers to explicitly state how the vulnerable are protected.

Under the new rules, charities with incomes over £1m will have to set out their fundraising approach in their trustees’ annual report, including the use of professional fundraising agencies and the steps in place to prevent inappropriate fundraising.

Prime Minister David Cameron said charities undertake vital work, bringing communities together and providing support to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“But the conduct of some fundraisers used by them is frankly unacceptable and damages the reputation of the sector as a whole, which is why we’re introducing a new law to make sure charities raise funds in the right sort of way."

Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson said the measures deliver on the government’s promise, made following the death of Olive Cooke, that charities’ behaviour would have to change or the government would take action.

NCVO chief executive Sir Stuart Etherington will chair the fundraising review. The review group will make recommendations to ministers and the charity and fundraising sectors on any changes that might be needed to ensure self-regulation successfully protects the interests and the confidence of the public, whilst serving beneficiaries.

“My review will respond to clear public concern about fundraising that has overstepped the mark,” Sir Stuart said. “Charities must maintain the highest standards, including taking a firm grip on how the agencies they employ are interacting with the public.”

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