New regulations came into force on 1 April 2008 for professional fundraisers and commercial participators making solicitation statements. This legislation is also relevant for charity employees and trustees involved in public collections.
Introduced as part of the Charities Act 2006, the new laws seek to enable donors to make informed decisions, knowing how much of their donation will reach the fundraising organisation and the proportion that will be received by the professional fundraiser or commercial participator.
Guidance
Solicitation statement guidance is available on the Office of the Third Sector website, including example statements and where they might be needed.
Signed-in Organisational members of the Institute can also access summary briefings about the new requirements.
The new statements have proved particularly problematic in a payroll giving context due to the unique way in which this fundraising technique works. The Institute, in discussion with the Office of the Third Sector, have developed some suggested wording for solicitation statements in this situation. This is not intended to constitute legal advice and PFOs promoting payroll giving are strongly advised to take legal advice that is tailored to their own specific circumstances.
Read the sample statement in the special briefing.
Consultation
The Office of the Third Sector's guidance was open to public consultation until 31 May 2008. The Institute of Fundraising has made a formal submission to this consultation, following communication with members.
Read the Institute's consultation submission.
