The new and improved Code of Fundraising Practice,  will come into effect in October 2019!

The changes are designed to make it easier for fundraisers, charities and third-party organisations to understand the standards expected of them when fundraising. The new code is also easier for the public to navigate, so that they know what to expect from fundraisers.

These changes follow a consultation in autumn 2018, which focused on the style, presentation, clarity and accessibility of the current code.

• Consolidation of the former code, rulebooks and legal appendices so that all of the standards can be found in one code.
• Clearer navigation by restructuring the standards in to three parts so that users can clearly identify which standards apply depending on the type of fundraising they do.
• Clarification of where there are differences in law in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
• Transparent, jargon-free language, following an independent review by the Plain English Campaign, which gave the code a Crystal Mark standard.

Ahead of October 2019, you should:

• Check whether you need to update any training materials or internal policies to reflect the updated legal references, new layout and clearer standards in the new code.
• Talk to your staff and any fundraising suppliers you may work with about the new code. Use this as an opportunity to raise awareness of the standards that you are expected to meet.
• Tell us if you change your contact details, so we can keep you up-to-date with the latest from the regulator. You can do this by logging on to FR's registered users area with your FR.ID number.

Fundraising complaints the FR receive will continue to be considered against the version of the code in effect at the time of the incident. This means the new code will be used as the basis for making decisions about any incidents that take place from October onwards.