Third sector organisations from across the UK have been invited to contribute to the UK's first Charity Digital Code of Practice which is due to launch in November this year. The code will aim to help charities improve their digital skills and increase their take up of digital activity and is being funded by Lloyds Banking Group and the Co-op Foundation. It will be voluntary and free to access, and the steering group is keen to hear from charities of all sizes as part of the consultation.

The code will hopefully benefit all charities, but especially those with limited capacity for digital engagement. It will include best practice guidelines as well as practical tips and advice and will aim to increase digital motivation and confidence in activities including fundraising and engaging with stakeholders.

Why the code is needed

• There are over 160,000 registered charities in the UK, 74% of which have an annual income under £100,000. Staff within the sector have acknowledged that these charities often fall behind when it comes to digital skills and this can have a detrimental effect on their ability to raise vital funds for their work.
• The Lloyds Bank UK Business Digital Index 2017 showed that only 48% of charities have full basic digital skills, and that the more digitally mature charities are twice as likely to see an increase in donations.
• A recent Co-op survey of local charities and community groups also found that one in four fear for their survival, with more than one in three (35%) believing they would benefit from a better online presence.

'The new code will aim to increase the digital confidence of all charities,' says independent digital expert and The Charity Digital Code of Practice steering group chair Zoe Amar, 'it will also give practical advice about where they can make improvements in digital engagement with their beneficiaries and funders as well as increasing collaboration with other charities.'

The consultation

Early user research and testing has been carried out in advance of the consultation with more than 30 organisations of all sizes across the UK to help shape the initial draft and ensure that the voices of all kinds of charities are represented. The code will include best practice for large as well as smaller charities and will aim to boost the entire sector.

How to take part

The consultation will be open from 3 July to 25 September 2018. All charities are invited to visit www.charitydigitalcode.o<wbr />rg to respond and contribute.

Join the conversation about the code by using the hashtag #CharityDigitalCode