What Trustees Need to Know
The Fundraising Regulator has introduced a new Code of Fundraising Practice, which came into effect on 1 November 2025.
This Code sets out the standards that charities should follow when raising funds, ensuring that fundraising is honest, respectful, and safe—for both donors and fundraisers.
What Has Changed?
- Principles-Based Approach: The new Code focuses on broad principles rather than detailed rules. Charities are expected to act reasonably, transparently, and responsibly in all fundraising activities.
- Modern Fundraising Covered: Guidance now includes online donations, contactless payments, and unmanned collection points, reflecting how people give today.
- Fundraiser Protection: Charities must take steps to ensure staff and volunteers are safe and supported while fundraising.
- Third-Party Fundraising: Any outside companies or platforms raising money on the charity’s behalf must be properly vetted and monitored.
What This Means for Trustees
Trustees play a key role in ensuring the charity meets the new standards. Trustees should:
- Familiarise themselves with the new Code and the main changes.
- Review current fundraising activities— including events, online campaigns, and collection boxes, to ensure they meet the new standards.
- Update policies and procedures to reflect the Code, including risk assessments and oversight of third-party fundraisers.
- Support staff and volunteers, ensuring they are trained, safe, and confident in fundraising activities.
- Keep clear records of fundraising practices, decisions, and monitoring activities.
Support for Charities
The Fundraising Regulator has produced helpful Code Support Guides to make it easier for charities to understand and apply the new standards in everyday practice.
You can find them here: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code/code-support-guides
In addition, the Regulator offers a Code Advice Service, where you can ask specific questions about how the Code applies to your charity’s fundraising work.
Find out more here: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/about-fundraising/code-advice-service
Why This Matters
Following the new Code is not only about compliance, it’s about maintaining public trust and demonstrating that the Almshouse Association is transparent, ethical, and responsible in its fundraising. By taking a proactive approach, trustees can ensure that all donations are raised in a manner that reflects positively on the charity and the wider sector.
For more information, trustees can view the full Code on the Fundraising Regulator website.
posted 17 November 2025