What is the Fundraising Standards Board?
What is the Fundraising Standards Board?
The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) is the new self-regulatory body for fundraising in the UK. The Fundraising Standards Board self-regulatory scheme was set up after wide consultation with key individuals from a range of charitable bodies and Government. We exist to deal with public complaints about fundraising activity and to help the public give with confidence to charities. Charities and organisations that display the scheme's logo are demonstrating that they have signed up to the highest fundraising standards.
What do we do?
We encourage charities and other fundraising organisations to become members of the Fundraising Standards Board scheme. We ensure that each member commits to the highest fundraising standards, and that they have a robust complaints procedure in place.
Members of the Fundraising Standards Board scheme must:
- Adhere to the Institute of Fundraising's Codes of Fundraising Practice and the Fundraising Promise, which together represent the highest standards of good practice in fundraising
- Have procedures in place to deal with public complaints. They should also offer a complaints 'safety net', whereby members of the public can contact us if they are not satisfied with the charity's response
- Demonstrate that they are members of the Fundraising Standards Board scheme by displaying the scheme logo on their fundraising materials
How do we relate to other regulatory bodies?
When it comes to other regulatory bodies, Memorandums of Understanding have been established to cover potential areas of overlap and eliminate any areas of duplication. If we receive a complaint that isn't relevant to us, we'll direct you to the relevant body. For more information about other regulatory bodies and organisations please our useful links section.
How are we funded?
The Cabinet Office and Scottish Executive have provided funding for the first five years, after which time the scheme will become self-financing by its members.
How are we run?
We are a Community Interest Company; that is, a limited company designed specifically to operate for the benefit of the community, rather than for private advantage. It consists of 12 Board Members and an operational team.
The 12 Fundraising Standards Board's Board members are responsible for making final adjudications on public complaints about fundraising. In order to represent a balance of interests, the Board members include representatives from the voluntary, consumer protection and charity law sectors, plus five lay board members.
The Fundraising Standards Board's operational team consists of six members of staff and the Chief Executive, Jon Scourse.