House-to-House Collections in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Specific regulations covering this fundraising technique

In Northern Ireland, you have to apply for a licence from the police if you plan to carry out a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic collection.

Can you tell me about the procedure for house to house collections in Northern Ireland?

If you are likely to carry out collections in many different areas of Northern Ireland, then you can apply to the Charities Branch of the Department for Social Development for an Exemption Order and this means you don't have to apply for a licence in every area.

What about in Scotland?

In Scotland, any person wishing to conduct a public charitable collection must first obtain permission from the islands or district council where the collection is going to be held.

What is a 'Public Charitable Collection'?

This means a collection from the public of money for charitable purposes, either in a public place or by going from place to place. Charitable purposes means any charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.

What other regulations are there?

Each collector must carry with them a badge which has been signed by them and clearly shows the name of the charity.

Is there anything else I should bear in mind?

To ensure good practice, a charity should have a clear policy regarding the insurance of both collectors and collections.