Updates to the Fundraising Code of Practice November 2025
The Fundraising Regulator has published a new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into effect on 1 November 2025. The fundraising landscape has changed massively since the last update to the code in 2019 and the changes have been made to reflect this and ensure it continues to support fundraisers.
At RDA, fundraising underpins everything we do. From riding and carriage driving to volunteer training and educational programmes, it is voluntary donations that make our work possible. That is why it is vital that we not only comply with the updated Code but embrace its principles, ensuring we continue to deliver fundraising that is legal, open, honest and respectful.
A principles-based code:
The new Code has been streamlined and is now centred on four core principles: Legal, Open, Honest and Respectful. Instead of long lists of prescriptive rules, the Code sets out broad standards that charities must meet, allowing flexibility but requiring strong judgement and clear documentation of decisions.
Stronger governance and trustee responsibilities:
Trustees are now explicitly required to be more involved in Fundraising. This places governance at the heart of fundraising, ensuring fundraising decisions are understood and taken seriously at every level. Trustees must be involved in the following things:
- Observing fundraising activities with care and diligence.
- Assess and manage risks associated with fundraising.
- Ensure that fundraisers (staff, volunteers or third parties) are protected from harm and harassment.
Protecting donors and fundraisers:
Within the code there is a stronger emphasis on:
- Safeguarding donors in vulnerable circumstances.
- Ensuring fundraising is free from undue pressure, intrusion or persistent approaches., and making sure fundraisers have channels through which to raise concerns.
- Protecting fundraisers and third-party fundraisers from harm or harassment and ensuring polices are in place about the way they work and who the work with.
Digital and modern fundraising methods
The new Code reflects today’s fundraising landscape, introducing clearer guidance on:
- Digital giving, like QR codes, contactless donation points, text giving, and online platforms have more focused and specific guidance. Unstaffed, digital collections and QR codes must be clear, accessible, and transparent. Online platforms (like JustGiving) must disclose any fees or % they take from donation.
- Donation platforms being used by fundraisers must be transparent around fees and commissions.
- Unstaffed fundraising such as unattended donation points or collection tins must have secure and transparent processes.
Transparency and ethical practice
- Clearer expectations for corporate partnerships, ensuring that the relationships are transparent.
- Stronger guidance on legacy fundraising, including respectful engagement and clear documentation of all communications.
- Tighter rules on the use of case studies, requiring explicit, informed permission from anyone identifiable.
- Requirements to justify and record decisions to refuse or return donations.
For RDA Groups
As a federated charity, every RDA group must comply with the Code. To prepare for November 2025, groups should:
- Update trustees, staff and volunteers about any changes so that everyone involved in fundraising understands the basics of the Code.
- Check digital fundraising tools like QR codes, contactless devices, and platforms are secure, transparent and donor friendly.
- Prioritise the safeguarding of vulnerable donors and support fundraisers.
- Keep clear records of fundraising decisions, especially around sensitive issues such as donation refusals, legacy fundraising, and payment structures.
- Where applicable, review and update fundraising policies and processes if needed and provide any fundraisers with training.
Support Available
The Fundraising Regulator has published three practical Code Support Guides to help charities put the changes into practice. These cover:
- Documenting fundraising decisions
- Due diligence and fundraising
- Monitoring fundraising partners
We encourage all groups to make use of these resources and to begin reviewing their practices well ahead of the November implementation date.
In Summary
The new Code of Fundraising Practice sets higher expectations for governance, transparency, and respect for both donors and fundraisers. At RDA, these values already underpin our work, and by embedding the new standards, we can continue to fundraise with integrity while maintaining the trust of our supporters.
For more information, please visit the Fundraising Regulator’s website or contact the RDA Fundraising Team fundraising@rda.org.uk if you need guidance on preparing your group.