The self-regulation of fundraising scheme was established as a result of recommendations made in Private Action, Public Benefit, a 2002 government report on charity law and regulation.
Following an 18-month consultation process undertaken by the Buse Commission (98kb) during 2003-2004, a sector-wide steering committee chaired by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) then reviewed the commission's recommendations and proposed a structure for the voluntary self-regulation fundraising scheme.
Read the Final Paper of the CAF-chaired Steering Committee (108kb).
The Buse Commission recommended the creation of a voluntary opt-in membership scheme whereby fundraising organisations would commit to adhering to the Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Fundraising Practice as well as The Fundraising Promise, and use the Fundraising Standards Board quality mark on fundraising materials.
With an ultimate goal of increasing public confidence in fundraising and ensuring accountability and transparency in fundraising activities throughout the UK, the aims of the self-regulation of fundraising are:
- To maintain high standards in UK fundraising.
- To investigate fundraising complaints from the public.
- To demonstrate best practice in fundraising.
