All Face-to-Face (F2F) activity, whether on the street or on the doorstep (D2D) is strictly governed by the Institute of Fundraising’s Code of Practice.
Originally published in July 2000, “the Code” – as it is known – has been updated twice (May 2005, October 2008) to take into account new developments in fundraising, the growing body of experience and expertise in the sector, and feedback and contributions from our Observers and Stakeholders.
PFRA members all adhere to the “Abridged Code” shown here, which is a bullet-pointed summary of the main “do’s and don’ts” contained in the original Code. All PFRA member “Users” (Charities) are obliged to ensure that their staff and agents comply with its provisions when planning and commissioning F2F campaigns; and all “Provider” members(Supplier Agencies) are obliged to train their field-force to comply with it on a day-by-day basis.
The Abridged Code of Practice
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- We always tell potential donors clearly that we are paid to speak with them, and that we are not volunteers — if this is the case — and we explain the basis on which we are paid.
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- We always carry and display ID so that any potential donor can verify who we are, whom we are working for and on whose behalf we are fundraising.
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- We always represent our charity or Not for Profit Organisation (NPO) at the time, in the place, and in the manner that has been previously agreed both with the charity/NPO and with the relevant site owner or local authority, and as directed by our Team Leader or other responsible agency personnel.
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- We always explain to a donor how the charity or NPO will communicate with them after subscribing, and if they are likely to receive a follow-up phonecall we inform them of this.
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- We always ensure that forms with personal details provided by donors are handled at all stages in a secure manner
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- We always end a conversation in a polite and respectful manner as soon as we are asked to.
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- We always ensure, wherever possible, that if a member of the public has a complaint, a full and accurate record of the complaint and the complainant’s contact details are taken so that action can be taken promptly and appropriately. We will alsooffer the complainant contact details for a person in authority who can respond to their concerns.
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- We never say or do anything that could pressurise or harasspeople and we do not use manipulative techniques.
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- We never confuse or mislead the public and we never say, do, or display anything for which we have not been given permission by thecharity or NPO.
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- We never behave whilst on duty in any way that might bring the charity / NPO or our employer into disrepute.
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The “Abridged Code” is due to be substantially revised during 2009 to take revisions in the most recent Code fully into account. In the meantime if you would like to read the current IoF Code in full please click here.
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