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Working in the charity sector is a privilege. It implies a shared commitment to honesty, decency, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. However, trust is fragile. While the vast majority of fundraisers are driven by passion and integrity, occasional instances of poor conduct can damage public confidence in the entire sector.

To protect the generosity of the public and the reputation of the causes we love, clear guidelines are essential. This is where the Code of Fundraising Practice comes in. It serves as the ‘bible’ for our industry, ensuring transparency and accountability across the board.

Here is a simple breakdown of what the Code is, who manages it, and why it matters so much to us at BRC Promotions.

In simple terms, the Code is the ultimate rulebook for doing fundraising properly. It sets the standard for voluntary and professional fundraising across the UK, with the primary goal of maintaining public trust.

Whether a fundraiser is a volunteer or a professional agency like ours, the Code applies to everyone. The entire framework is built upon four key values:

• Respectful: Fundraisers must always treat the public with respect, never using pressure tactics.

• Honest: We must be truthful and never provide misleading information.

• Legal: All fundraising activities must comply with the law.

• Open: We must be transparent about who we are and the costs involved.

The Code outlines expected behaviours for fundraisers and, crucially, what the public should expect from us.

To ensure these standards are met, three main bodies work together to hold UK charities and agencies to account.

The Fundraising Regulator

This is the independent regulator for charitable fundraising in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are responsible for updating the Code and investigating complaints from the public. They also manage the Fundraising Preference Service, allowing people to opt out of communications.

The Charity Commission

As a non-ministerial government department, the Charity Commission registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. They have the power to take enforcement action if there is serious misconduct or mismanagement.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)

The CIOF is the professional membership body for UK fundraising. Their mission is to champion best practice, providing education and development to help fundraisers grow in their careers while remaining compliant.

Having rules is one thing; following them is another. Compliance is monitored in two main ways:

1. Mystery Shopping: Charities often hire mystery shoppers to assess fundraisers in the field. They check everything from the fundraiser’s uniform to the accuracy of the information provided.
2. Complaints: The Regulator investigates concerns raised by members of the public or mystery shoppers.

At BRC Promotions, we view these checks not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to excellence. We believe that professional fundraising should be a positive experience for everyone involved.

If a complaint is raised, the Fundraising Regulator will investigate. They look at the evidence to see if the fundraiser acted in accordance with the Code.

If a breach is found, the focus is often on learning and improvement. Recommendations might include:

• Issuing a formal apology to the complainant.

• Providing retraining for the fundraiser involved.

• Conducting an audit of internal processes.

For serious or repeated issues, the Regulator can name and shame organisations in their annual report or refer the matter to the Charity Commission for legal enforcement.

At BRC Promotions, we represent some of the UK’s most incredible causes. We understand that we are often the face of these charities, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We strive to empower our team through our training academy, ensuring every fundraiser feels confident and knowledgeable. By adhering strictly to the Code of Fundraising Practice, we ensure that our work is not only effective but also ethical and respectful.

If you share our values and are looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.