The New Code of Fundraising Practice

20 November 2025|

For all the team at Orchard Fundraising it is important that the work we deliver for your charity is of the highest standard. That includes keeping up to date with charity fundraising compliance and abiding by the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. The Code promotes public protection, accountability and excellence in fundraising.

Visiting Worcester Sixways Stadium for a careers event

A new Code of Fundraising Practice has recently been published, coming into effect from the 1st November 2025.

Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of Standards Committee at the Fundraising Regulator, says ‘In September 2022, we began a comprehensive review of the existing code. Since its last major update in 2019, the landscape for charitable fundraising has continued to evolve. Technological developments, societal change, and updated legislation all meant that a fresh approach was needed to ensure the Code continued to meet its purpose.’
So, what’s changed?

The 2025 Code is shorter and clearer, with 45% fewer words than the previous version.

  • A simplified structure: A principle-based format replaces numbered rules
  • Greater emphasis on key behaviours: The Code now centres around ethical behaviour and decision-making
  • Clearer expectations for third-party fundraisers: Clearer responsibilities about transparency, disclosures and client oversight
  • New practical guidance: Supplementary materials advise on due diligence, fundraising decisions and monitoring partners
  • A stronger focus on fundraiser wellbeing: Organisations must ensure fundraisers are supported and able to raise concerns
  • The Orchard Fundraising team aim to be honest, open, transparent and forthright in the best interests of your charity.
At Orchard Fundraising we promise to:
Review and, where needed, update our written agreements to ensure that they continue to support effective oversight and remain fully compliant with the revised Code
Disclose Orchard Fundraising’s status as a professional fundraiser, including the fact that we are remunerated by the charity in question if we make a funding ask on their behalf
Undertake documented due diligence on funders, proportionate to the level of risk – for example, where engaging with new or unfamiliar partners, complex or large-scale activity, sub-contracting, concerns over governance or overseas elements

Publish a clear and publicly available fundraising complaints procedure which fundraisers can explain to existing or potential donors

By October we also aim to:

  • Strengthen how we document fundraising decisions to support transparency and accountability

  • Support our clients in monitoring our performance and the service we provide.

  • As always, we aim to be honest, open, transparent and forthright in the best interests of your charity. By ensuring we are up to date with the new Code of Fundraising Practice you will have peace of mind that your organisation is compliant and delivering fundraising of the highest standard.

  • If you are looking for advice or support from an organisation that you can be sure is working in accordance with the new Code of Fundraising Practice, then call Orchard Fundraising on 07578 222704, send us a message or book in a free discovery call now.

  • McCarthy S. (2025) Fundraising Regulator website https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/more-from-us/resources/fit-future-introducing-new-code-fundraising-practice Accessed: 28th May 2025.

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