Is fundraising a true profession? Our panel of sector experts weigh in with their thoughts.

Paul Marvell, head of fundraising strategy, British Red Cross

While fundraising is under intense scrutiny from media and politicians alike, there has never been a stronger need for fundraising to be seen as a true profession.

In fact I would argue that fundraising is a profession already. We, as fundraising professionals, just need to communicate that better, and employers of fundraisers (including agencies) need to accept and embrace the fact, and invest in professional education for their staff.

During my six years at the Institute of Fundraising I introduced a four-tier framework of qualifications and a professional academy for fundraisers. The IoF is now heading towards chartered status.

With the backing of leading fundraising academics like Adrian Sargeant and Jen Shang, the IoF provides truly world class professional education. I now have the pleasure of seeing its impact first hand with our talent at the British Red Cross.

Amanda Shepard, fundraising consultant

If the suggestion is that if we can prove fundraising is a profession we might somehow turn off the current media and political spotlight, then I have my doubts.

Chartered status and fundraiser licensing are on the table. But putting aside cost and tricky implementation, would such credentials really transform fundraisers' behaviour, ethics and performance? Will tougher laws, standards and policing improve the perception of fundraisers? On their own I'm not sure.

We need to be thinking about competence and integrity, not status. Our standards must accurately reflect the reality of the law, not what we wish for, and continually balance the interests of supporters and beneficiaries. We're not a special case.

It's about improving fundraiser education, and education about fundraising. At some point in fundraising's development we stopped explaining how we were fundraising and why we were professionalising – not just to the public, but also to the media, politicians, trustees and colleagues too.

To be 'true professionals' we need a common commitment by all engaged in fundraising to finance and find a collective voice, and to reconnect fundraisers with all their stakeholders.

Disha Sughand, head of fundraising and marketing, Womankind

Yes – but you would expect me to say that as I’m a fundraiser.

On one hand anyone can fundraise, and I’m the first to encourage colleagues to make contacts, build relationships and act as ambassadors for the charity. On the other hand, those who fundraise full time know there is real skill and expertise to being a successful fundraiser.

Fundraisers have extensive knowledge of their sector and an understanding of the trends and opportunities to make the most of their charity’s strengths and stay ahead of the game. Fundraisers immerse themselves in their audience, understanding their motivation and tailoring complex information to each donor – finding just the thing that’s going to peak their attention, and raising thousands for their charity’s work.

With recent negative press about fundraising, it’s worth remembering that fundraising isn’t just a true profession, but when done well and with integrity, one that we should be proud of.

Ian Macquillin, director, Rogare, The Fundraising Think Tank, Plymouth University

It should be. But a lot has happened recently that calls fundraising’s claim to professionhood into question.

A key characteristic of the professions is that their members possess ‘professional autonomy’. This means professionals can exercise their own judgement in making decisions without having to ask permission first. It usually grants the right to self-regulate - as you can’t be professionally autonomous if a bunch of non-professionals are telling you where, when and how you can do stuff.

Since the death of Olive Cooke, fundraisers have been emasculated of their professional autonomy. They have been given a minority of seats on their own standards-setting committee, by their own institute. And one fundraiser has told me her comms team have forbidden fundraisers from expressing any public opinions about the current situation.

It doesn’t matter how comprehensive the code of practice is, if fundraisers are not trusted to regulate themselves or to speak up in their own defence, fundraising will fall short of true professionhood.

Graham Kelly, director of fundraising, Beating Bowel Cancer

I have worked in fundraising for 22 years and firmly believe it to be a true profession and that it should be recognised as such.

The Institute of Fundraising provides formal qualifications, such as their Certificate and Diploma in Fundraising, and members are required to abide by their professional code of conduct, ensuring fundraisers follow best practice and act within the law at all times.

Fundraising provides an excellent career path across a range of disciplines and audiences, requiring a multitude of skills including interpersonal, analytical and creative. The fact that fundraisers in some cases reach the top of their organisation to become CEO shows the potential of this growing body of professionals.

While the fundraising profession is under intense scrutiny at the moment, the vast majority of professional fundraisers work hard to do their best for their chosen charity and the cause they serve.