Face to Face Fundraising

Public fundraising by personal solicitation of committed gifts, often known as face-to-face fundraising, generates pledges of over £200 million per annum for good causes by giving people the opportunity to give a small, regular donation by direct debit.  Charity fundraisers consider it to be a convenient, tax efficient and cost effective method for both the donor and the charity.

The legal position

Although charity street collections are regulated under the Police, Factories, etc (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916, current legal advice is that face-to-face fundraising falls outside these provisions as no money changes hands when the direct debit forms are signed.  The government has recognised the need for this form of fundraising to be regulated and included provisions within the Charities Act 2006. 

In the interim, face-to-face fundraising is subject to voluntary self-regulation by the industry.  The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) regulates the use of face-to-face fundraising by member charities and professional fundraising organisations and aims to work with local authorities to ensure that fundraising sites are used appropriately. 

Self regulation

The Council has entered into a Site Management Agreement with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA).  This is a voluntary agreement which seeks to address some of the issues relating to public fundraising by personal solicitation of committed gifts, often known as face-to-face fundraising.

The aim of the Site Management Agreement is to facilitate face-to-face fundraising in a given location and provide a balance between the right of the charity to fundraise and the right of the public to go about their business without inconvenience. 

If you wish to check whether a particular organisation should be carrying out fundraising activity in the street, please contact the Licensing Section on 01277 312500.

Any complaints about breaches of the Site Management Agreement can be made in the first instance to the Licensing Section.  Please phone 01277 312500 or email licensing@brentwood.gov.uk.