Fundraising Regulation

NICVA works closely with the Fundraising Regulator (FR) referring people to them for advice, promoting the Code of Fundraising Practice, communicating the the sector in NI through FR blogs and coordinating FR events in NI.

The Fundraising Regulator is an independent, non-statutory body that regulates fundraising across the charitable sector in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It stands up for best practice in fundraising, in order to protect donors and support the vital work of fundraisers. They work in partnership with other regulators and the representative bodies in the charitable and fundraising sectors to build public confidence and ensure consistent fundraising standards across the UK

In 2017 the NI voluntary sector, after a 9-month consultation exercise, chose to be governed by the existing Fundraising Regulator rather than set up its own, home-grown fundraising regulation system. Northern Ireland is represented on the Board of the Fundraising Regulator by Walter Rader, well known to many here from his time as the Big Lottery Fund’s NI Director and his work in helping set up the Charity Commission.

In March 2018 registration for the FR and Fundraising Preference Service opened in NI. All charities can register with the FR for £50 per year. If you spend more than £100,000 on fundraising in a year then you should pay the appropriate levy, this is a voluntary contribution to support the cost of our work. You can register here.

We encourage all charities to make themselves familiar with the Code of Fundraising Practice and follow it in their own organisation, this inclcudes board members, staff and volunteers. It is a voluntary code developed by and for fundraisers to support best practice and protect the reputation of charities to the public.

Updates

Fundraising Regulator consults on The Code of Fundraising Practice

On 14 September The Fundraising Regulator met with NICVA members to outline the support they provide and inform the sector about their current consultation of the Code of Fundraising Practice.

Promoting best practice in fundraising

NICVA encourages organisations to follow the Code of Fundraising Practice. This article provides information about The Code and The Fundraising Regulator.

Guest Blog: Fundraising Regulator - Volunteer fundraising: understanding the difference between ‘in aid of’ and ‘on behalf of’

Celia Currie, Stakeholder and Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, reflects on the importance of volunteers in fundraising and why it's important for charities to understand what type of fundraising is being carried out

Society lottery tickets can now be sold for more than £1

The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 received Royal Assent on 26 April 2022.  

The Fundraising Regulator Strategy Consultation

An invitation to respond to the consultation on the FR strategy and a reminder about information and guidance available on their website.

NICVA response on the draft gambling codes of practice

NICVA has submitted a response to the Department for Communities consultation on the draft code of practice for gambling operators which includes anyone conducting a society lottery.  

Consultation on draft code of practice affecting Societies Lotteries

The Department for Communities is undertaking a consultation on the introduction of a Code of Practice for gambling operators which includes any voluntary organisation running a Societies Lottery.  

NICVA's response to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill

Further to the introduction of this Bill to the Assembly in September, the Committee for Communities has launched its ‘call for evidence’ and seeks your views. The closing date has been extended to 26 November 2021. 

New rules for society lotteries

Charities and other societies will be allowed to sell their lottery tickets online from the 7 September 2021.

Five years of effective fundraising regulation: FR Blog

As The Fundraising Regulator approaches its fifth anniversary, Gerard Oppenheim reflects on its impact on Northern Ireland in this latest FR blog.

jocelyn.horton@nicva.org's picture

Jocelyn Horton

Fundraising Advice Officer

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