When I became Chair of the Fundraising Regulator in 2019, the organisation was still relatively new, and the system of independent regulation was continuing to take shape. Much has changed since then.
The Fundraising Regulator is now nearly ten years old and this is therefore a good moment not just to look back at how far we have come, but to consider how the relationship between charities, fundraisers and the public has changed – and what that means for the future.
During that time, the fundraising sector has continued to evolve. New technologies, new ways of giving and changing public expectations have all shaped how charities raise money. Through that change, one thing has remained constant: the importance of public trust.
Fundraising only works when people feel confident that their money will be used well, and that they are treated fairly and with respect. Research continues to show that trust in charities is relatively strong, but also that it depends on clear standards, transparency and ethical behaviour.
That is why the collective commitment of the sector matters so much. Today, more than 7,000 organisations are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, and levy payment compliance remain very high (more than 90%) despite a challenging environment. These are practical signs that charities and fundraising organisations want to demonstrate they are meeting the standards the public expects.
We can also see the difference this makes. When people understand what good fundraising looks like, their confidence increases. For example, in recent research conducted by Opinium nearly half of those surveyed say they would be more confident supporting a charity that displays the Fundraising Badge. Small, visible signals of accountability can have a big impact on trust.
Our role has been to support this environment – setting standards through the Code of Fundraising Practice, investigating concerns and sharing learning, and helping both the public and the sector understand what ethical fundraising looks like in practice.
Over time, our approach has developed. We do more to identify risks early and support improvement before issues escalate. We work closely with charities, partners and other regulators to share insight and strengthen standards together. We are adapting to new forms of fundraising, from digital platforms to emerging technologies. And we are making better use of data and evidence to guide our work.
None of this happens in isolation. Effective regulation depends on listening to donors, to fundraisers and to the wider sector. It is through ongoing dialogue that standards remain relevant and proportionate.
As we reach this ten-year milestone, we are beginning the process of developing a new strategy to take us into the 2030s. It is an opportunity to take stock of what we have learned and to consider what the future of fundraising regulation should look like.
The context is changing. Charities are operating in a more complex environment, with rising demand for their services and increasing pressure on income. At the same time, the ways people give – and the expectations they have – continue to shift.
Our task is to make sure that regulation keeps pace. That means continuing to protect the public, while also supporting a fundraising sector that can innovate and thrive.
We will be engaging widely as we develop our next strategy, drawing on the experience and insight of charities, fundraisers, partners and the public. That collaborative approach has been a strength of the current system, and it will be essential for the future.
Looking back over the past decade, there is a great deal that is encouraging. The sector has shown a clear and ongoing commitment to ethical fundraising. But trust is not something that can be assumed. It must be maintained through consistent standards, openness and accountability.
As we look ahead, that shared commitment will matter more than ever.