Code of fundraising practice 2025

The new Code of Fundraising Practice came into effect on 1 November 2025. Developed by the Fundraising Regulator, the new code adopts a principles-based approach, replacing prescriptive rules to better support modern and emerging fundraising methods. The new code is a much shorter version with easier navigation than the 2019 code which it replaces.

The new code also removes many of the previous detailed quoting of legal requirements and instead replaces these with signposting and links to legal information where applicable.

The new code is not legally binding but all those who register with the Fundraising Regulator are committed to meeting its standards. The standards are grouped into 3 core areas of:

• those applicable for all fundraising; 
• those which are relevant for working with others; and  
• those which apply to specific fundraising methods.

The principles set out in the standards are designed to be more future proof than rigid prescriptive rules and checklists. It is hoped that as charities develop their fundraising methods, they can apply principles and guidelines to new situations.

Some of the key areas covered by the new code include:

• requirement to engage constructively with any enquiries received from the Fundraising Regulator relating to the code and ensure that your fundraising partners do the same; 
• the duty of the trustees / governing body to take reasonable steps to protect fundraisers from harm and harassment, whereas the old code only contained protection for donors; 
• making sure that marketing consent statements are clear and prominent; 
• standards to follow when using online fundraising platforms, unstaffed collections and convenience giving (e.g. tap to donate and QR codes)

Alongside the new code, the Fundraising Regulator has released Code Support Guides which give detail and top tips on the following areas:

• Documenting your fundraising decisions,  
• Due diligence and fundraising; and  
• Monitoring your fundraising partners.

These guides can help you to document how you are complying with the code, which may be important to demonstrate to the Fundraising Regulator in case of any complaints or disputes.

Charities in England and Wales that fundraise directly or indirectly from the public must include in their annual report a statement on their fundraising practices including whether they have signed up to and complied with the Code of Fundraising Practice or other voluntary scheme and the number of complaints received in respect of fundraising.

Trustees are ultimately accountable for fundraising practices even if the day-to-day operations are delegated to staff, volunteers or third parties. Fundraising should be a regular item on board meeting agendas to ensure trustees have sufficient oversight.

We recommend that all fundraising organisations review the new code and Code Support Guides and ensure their fundraising policies, procedures and all relevant communications are updated to ensure compliance. If you would like any assistance with this for your organisation, please do get in touch.