The Institute of Fundraising’s Outdoor UK Challenge Events Code of Fundraising Practice, including a specific section on the Three Peaks Challenge, is to go out to consultation to the sector on 17th November 09. The Code is a revision of the Outdoor Fundraising in the UK Code.
The new draft Code has been updated to ensure that outdoor events continue to be sustainable. It aims to reduce the negative impact of fundraising events on the environment, and states that organisers of events who knowingly encourage excessive numbers in areas of environmental sensitivity are irresponsible.
The draft Code recognises that the impact of fundraising events on local residents, roads, other users, facilities, footpaths and wildlife can be so adverse as to bring charities’ fundraising into disrepute, risking the future reputation of challenge events as a form of fundraising.
The Code is to be read before embarking on any outdoor event, including but not limited to, sky diving, Three Peaks challenges, running and cycling events and off-road events. It is a Code for event management, rather than a guide for the planning and operation of events.
Louise Richards, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Institute of Fundraising, comments:
'Many fundraising organisations raise funds from events based outdoors. It’s important that charities make their events as compelling as possible to ensure individuals and teams are inspired to take up the challenge. This may well include organising events in areas of attractive landscape, such as National Parks.
'In order to ensure outdoor fundraising events remain sustainable this Code needs to be followed by fundraisers. As a community we should address the concerns of land managers and recognise that some natural areas are subject to increasing numbers of visitors who, left unchecked, could damage the environment'
Clare Furnival, Chair of the Code Working Party and Senior Event Fundraiser at Scope adds:
'We hope that the revision of this Code will help update best practice for all outdoor event organisers, highlighting the need to consult necessary guidelines and regulations to ensure legal, safe and well planned events are run in the UK.
'The revision also highlights the collective responsibility for all involved in these events to reduce as much as possible the negative and harmful impact they may have on our environment.'
