More than 1,600 fundraisers and charity leaders joined our Are you code confident? webinar on 15 October to prepare for the new Code of Fundraising Practice (‘the code’), which took effect on 1 November 2025.
The session included a short quiz on key rules and practical fundraising scenarios, examples of how to use our guidance, and a live Q&A. The high level of engagement reflected the strong commitment across the sector to understanding and applying the code in everyday fundraising.
This blog highlights five key takeaways from the session that illustrate how the code applies in practice. Each takeaway signposts to further detail in the code and code support guides.
ID requirements
Fundraisers must be clearly identifiable. The new code clarifies expectations for ID badges, including when they are required and what they should display. Where badges are required, they must include a recent photograph and information that makes the charitable institution clear to the public. Some venues, such as private sites, may also have their own ID requirements that must be followed.
- See: code rule 7.4.5
Protecting fundraisers
Those who govern charities must take reasonable steps to protect fundraisers from harm and harassment, including providing clear ways to report and address issues.
For smaller charities, this can be simple procedures rather than a formal policy. The aim is to ensure all fundraisers can raise concerns safely and be supported.
- See: code rule 2.1.2
Unstaffed collections
Unstaffed collection points, such as clothing banks or tap-to-donate, must give donors enough information to make an informed decision. Donation points should make it clear who is collecting the donations, which charitable institution will benefit, how the funds or goods will be used, and whether any partners or commercial participators are involved. The information provided must be accurate, up-to-date and not misleading about the purpose of the collection or how donations will be used.
- See: code section 7.5
Documenting decisions and managing risk
Good governance sits behind every aspect of fundraising. The code expects trustees to be able to show that their fundraising decisions are reasonable, proportionate and properly recorded. This includes decisions about accepting or refusing donations, managing conflicts of interest and assessing risks.
Keeping clear records will allow organisations to demonstrate how they have met the principles of the code if questions arise later. The support guide Documenting your fundraising decisions provides practical steps to help put this rule into practice.
- See: code rule 2.2.1 and code support guides.
Specific restrictions still apply
While much of the new code is principles-based, certain fixed requirements remain. An example discussed in the session was that door-to-door fundraising before 10am on a Sunday is not allowed, unless you have specific permission. It is therefore important to remain aware of these specific rules and legal / licensing requirements and to check them before planning fundraising activity.
Further support and resources
The new FAQ section brings together common questions raised during the webinar and from wider engagement across the sector. It will continue to grow as fundraisers share their experiences of applying the code in practice.
You can now access our Code support guides in HTML format. You’ll also find other recently published guidance here.
For specific queries about how the code applies to particular activities, the Code Advice Service is available to provide further guidance.
These resources are designed to help organisations continue to fundraise legally, openly, honestly and respectfully.