Fundraising body preps feedback scheme

The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) hopes to improve the image of street fundraisers, so called chuggers, with the introduction of a pilot scheme that would invite the public to give feedback on their conduct.

fundraiser

The proposed scheme, called “How’s my Fundraising?”, would act in a similar way to “How’s my Driving?” stickers that appear on large vehicles so that other drivers can report their driving performance.

The FRSB is hoping to launch a pilot scheme in partnership with a street fundraising organisation that could see charity fundraisers wearing the slogan on the back of their branded t-shirts or jackets.

‘How’s my Fundraising?’ could roll out nationally if successful and all charities and fundraising networks would be invited to sign up the scheme. It would also be applied to other fundraising methods.

It is hoped that by offering the service, the public will feel more comfortable reporting poor behaviour as well as praising fundraisers that do a good job.

A spokesperson for the FRSB says the proposed initiative aims to “stimulate dialogue and engagement between charities and the general public” by giving a channel for them to air their views. Charities will also be able to respond directly to the feedback in the hope of improving transparency.

Street fundraisers have come under fire recently from the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) and new guidelines and fines to penalise organisations have recently come into force in an effort to improve standards and trust in the sector.

Meanwhile, the FRSB has joined forces with The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) and the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) in a bid to define their roles and offer more clarity around self-regulation within the charity sector.

It will now take full responsibility for complaints relating to any kind of fundraising activity.

It follows Lord Hodgson’s review of the 2006 Charities Act earlier this year, which called for a review of street fundraising regulation.

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