Early in the lockdown we reflected on fundraising during a time of social distancing and ways to continue fundraising without breaching regulations.

Now restrictions are easing, the Fundraising Regulator has issued its first guidance on activities affected by social distancing.

The first guidance document focuses on key principles. It gives advice on:

• How to plan fundraising.

• How to behave and interact safely and respectfully with the public.

• How to safeguarding the public, staff ands volunteers.

• Undertaking risk assessments.

The second document provides more practical advice on public fundraising, including:

• Good sanitation practices.

• Social distancing including: keping a minimum distance, giving way to the public, maintaining a static position and methods for exchanging items/collecting information.

• Respectful behaviour.

• The important of training in new approaches and procedures.

• Regulatory matters such as licences and permissions.

• Limiting the numbers of people working together.

• Processing donations/payments safely.

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings.

While both guidance documents often refer to other more detailed publications, they at least constitute really useful checklists for charities to use to ensure they can undertake fundraising safely and build confidence amongst staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the public.

The key principles document rightly also highlights the enhanced regulatory oversight from local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive etc. and the need for good governance and oversight to ensure charities do not explore themselves to enforcement and other legal risks.

If you would like to know more about the services we offer or to discuss your fundraising or governance challenges further please contact us at julian@almondtreeconsulting.co.uk.