Implementing a practical strategic process can be a daunting task. But by working with your agency, or by taking an integrated approach to establishing a face to face program within your existing fundraising strategy, you will find the pros of having a public facing acquisition program, far outweigh the cons, if you get this right. In fact, if you really get it right, then the cons are all but eliminated!

The new holder of the Code of Fundraising Practice, the Fundraising Regulator, has taken the steps to review the aspects of the code that are relevant to door to door, street and private site fundraising and merge them with the rules that were initially set out by the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA). With the PFRA having merged with the Institute of Fundraising, the Fundraising Regulator is now the sole source of information on what to do and what not to do. Their code should be used as a framework on which to build your face to face program. The regulations are robust. You can review them here: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code-of-fundraising-practice/rulebooks-for-face-to-face-fundraising/

The key word here is Respect; “The Street Rulebook outlines the conduct expected of fundraisers engaging with members of the public in local areas. Fundraisers are expected to RESPECT the public and the fundraising environment, by avoiding behaviour which may harm the reputation of the fundraising profession itself.

Fundraisers are expected to RESPECT the public and the fundraising environment, with rules included on:

• Terminating a conversation when a person does not wish to be engaged
• Avoiding deliberate obstruction or pursuing the public excessively
• Maintaining distance from shop entrances, cash points and other street features
• Avoiding members of the public who are seated or ‘on duty’
• Use of “team bags”

Fundraisers are also expected to SAFEGUARD the public, with rules included on:

• Identifying and terminating conversations with potentially vulnerable members of the public
• Being clearly identifiable as a charity representative through appearance

INFORMING the public is also a fundraiser’s duty, and they need to make explicit to potential donors:

• Who they work for
• How the fundraiser’s organisation will be paid
• Length of commitment expected of the potential donor
• Financial nature of the donor “ask”