With the Charities Act review underway and due to report back this summer, we asked the sector what they think are the most important points of discussion for fundraisers
“What recommendations would you have if you were reviewing the Charities Act 2006?”
Pauline Broomhead, chief executive of the FSI:
“Firstly, the sector should welcome the fact that this looks to be a thorough review rather than a simple endorsement of the status quo. It is absolutely right and opportune to review the licensing and regulation of fundraising but we have a real obligation to ensure that we do not encumber small civil society organisations with a disproportionate administrative burden.
The word charity needs to inspire trust for the general public, so I welcome the recommendation of the Calman Commission on creating a UK-wide definition of charity, a definition that must emphasise small grassroots organisations and initiatives, which will help the sector to be even more effective.”
Dr Toby Ganley, head of policy at the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association:
“There are ten separate pieces of legislation controlling the licensing of charitable collections throughout the UK, which are often inconsistent and ambivalent.
The Charities Act 2006 does not affect legislation in Scotland or Northern Ireland but the review can, and should, bring clarity and consistency to the licensing and regulation of charitable collections in England and Wales, setting a standard for similar decisions in other UK countries.
The Charities Act contained a regime for unifying direct debit and cash collections in public places, which would have safeguarded small local charities’ opportunities to stage cash collections but the relevant sections were never brought into force.
The review represents an opportunity to address this by ending decades of inconsistent licensing procedures and setting a genuinely level playing field for charities collecting cash, goods and direct debits from the public.”
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising:
“Charities depend on donations to meet their objectives. It is therefore imperative that it is made as easy as possible for charities to raise money without compromising trust in those charities. We strongly support the principle of continued self-regulation and we will be seeking the views of our members as to whether the current system is as effective and efficient as it could be or whether it could be improved.
Lord Hodgson previously led the red tape review, and it would be good to build on this work to see some current barriers to successful fundraising such as unduly complicated solicitation statements removed.
To ensure the financial sustainability and resilience of the sector the review could also helpfully look at ways Gift Aid could be simplified and support a transformational reform to payroll giving.
The Institute is already engaging with its members and looks forward to engaging in dialogue with the review as it moves forward.”
Mike Wade, executive director of fundraising and communications at the National Deaf Children’s Society
“Simplify. Modernise. Transform. Three simple words which could help charities fund fantastic work, whilst building trust and confidence.
The FRSB has made a great start on self regulation. Now let’s make it better. A clearer remit would counter a tendency to meddle, with universal membership adding credibility.
A simpler approach to licensing public collections needs to stamp on the cowboys while making it clear that charities have the right to ask for money.
Payroll giving limps on, in urgent need of radical reform. Universal availability, better connectivity between charity and donor and portability between jobs would all help. Bring Gift Aid into alignment, with the higher rate tax to go to the charity and we’ll have a fundraising product we can be proud of.
Most of all – talk to us! Self appointed experts have a lot to say, but it’s the jobbing fundraiser who knows what works. We really want the chance to transform the world.”
This article first appeared in Fundraiser magazine, Issue 13, January 2012
