Exemption Orders

Exemption Orders allow organisations to carry out certain fundraising activities without the need to apply for specific licenses and permits each time. If you have an Exemption Order you must ensure it is valid and applies to your fundraising activity. Exemption Orders are managed by:

• In England and Wales, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: National exemption order scheme
• In Scotland, the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR): Public collections and exempt promoters
• In Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities: House to house charitable collections − exemption orders

Private Sites

On private sites which do not require licenses or permits, you should:

• Seek appropriate permission from the site owner or manager (for static collections this must be in writing);
• Record details of who took your booking and what activity was agreed, and retain these for at least 28 days after the booking;
• Ensure staff at the site are aware of your activity on the day; and
• Only approach potential donors in ways, at times, and in locations agreed with the site owner. 

Site Management Agreements

Licenses and permits are often not required when collecting regular gifts (such as direct debits) on the street.  However, you should check whether the relevant local authorities has a Site Management Agreement in place for street fundraising and meet these standards. 

Legal Requirements for Licenses and Permits

Licenses and permits for collections on public land are covered by the following legislation:

In England and Wales:

• The Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916
• The Charitable Collections (Transitional Provisions) Order 1974
• The Street Collections (Metropolitan Police District) Regulations 1979
• See also CIoF’s Fundraising in a public place guidance

In Scotland:

• The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982
• The Public Charitable Collections (Scotland) Regulations 1984
• See also the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)’s Public Collections and exemptions guidance

In Northern Ireland:

• The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) Fundraising for Charities guidance

Door-to-door collections are covered by the following legislation:

• House to House Collections Act 1939
• House to House Collections Regulations 1947
• House to House Collections Act (Northern Ireland) 1952 (in Northern Ireland)

Permission from private site owners is covered by The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.