Contributors

The Charity Commission published its new Fundraising Guidance in June 2016, which has been updated in response to the fundraising scandals and the changes to be implemented in the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016.

The new guidance contains more information on charity law and regulation, including:

  • statements fundraisers are required to make when soliciting donations;
  • requirements to disclose charitable status in certain documents;
  • failed appeals;
  • fundraising using trading subsidiaries; and
  • the role of the new Fundraising Regulator and how the Charity Commission expects to work with it.

The new Guidance sets out six principles which trustees and those involved in charity fundraising are expected to follow:

  1. Plan effectively - agree and monitor a plan for your school’s fundraising, reflecting its income needs.
  2. Supervise your fundraisers.
  3. Protect your charity’s reputation, money and other assets - consider the impact of the fundraising planned on the school’s donors, supporters and the general public, as well as ensuring that funds raised are remitted to the school.
  4. Identify and comply with the laws and regulations that apply to your school’s fundraising techniques
  5. Identify and follow any recognised standards that apply to your school’s fundraising techniques.
  6. Be open and accountable.

School governors are advised to review the new Guidance when considering current and future fundraising strategies and ensure that they minute such considerations. This will enable governing bodies to demonstrate that they have complied with the new Guidance, should any questions be raised in relation to any future fundraising campaign or activity.

This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice.