This briefing will explore the latest reforms and changes in fundraising regulation in Scotland and examine good fundraising practice.

Context

After high profile coverage of poor fundraising practice in recent years, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations conducted a review to strengthen fundraising standards. The consultation identified a strong support for a system of self-regulation with charities taking more responsibility for handling complaints.

With a new system coming into place how can charities improve charity communications to be compliant, inspire public trust and promote good fundraising?

Join us at Holyrood’s Fundraising in Scotland briefing as we examine what the new system means for fundraising organisations, and good practice in fundraising and charity communications.

The event

The morning session will provide an up-to-date brief of the recent developments and reforms going forward in fundraising regulation in Scotland.

A mid-morning workshop will provide an interactive learning opportunity to consider data protection, how it relates to fundraising and good practice in handling donor information.

The afternoon session will consider good practice in promoting good fundraising, including donor communications.

Key Learning Objectives

• Learn what the new fundraising regulation system means for you and your organisation
• Prepare for implementation, meeting new standards and being ready to deal with complaints
• Good practice in good fundraising, donor communications and handling information

The Agenda*

09:15 Registration and morning refreshments

10:00 Welcome and introduction by the Chair

Kate Connor, Director, Kate Connor Consulting

Session one: A New Framework for Charity Fundraising

10:05​ ​Progress of the Fundraising Implementation Group

• Make up of the Independent Panel
• The work of the Independent Panel and its launch

Valerie Surgenor, Chair of the Scottish Fundraising Implementation Group, and Partner, MacRoberts LLP

​10:20 OSCR address

Dr Judith Turbyne, Head of Engagement, OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator)

10:35 Experience of the Fundraising Working Group

Theresa Shearer, Chair, Scottish Fundraising Working Group, and Chief Executive, Enable Scotland

10:50 Next steps for good fundraising

Fraser Hudghton, Scotland Manager, Institute of Fundraising

11:05 Questions and discussion

11:30 Refreshments

 

 Session two: Interactive Workshop - Handling Donor Information

11:50 Workshop session begins

• Overview of data protection and how it relates to fundraising and direct marketing
• ICO guidance on handling existing and potential donor information
• Good practice in making sure data is managed correctly
• Avoiding mistakes and actions taken against charities misusing personal data for fundraising

David Freeland, Senior Policy Officer, Information Commissioner’s Office

12:50 Networking Lunch

 

Session three: Supporting Good Fundraising and Improving Donor Communications

13:35 The future of fundraising

Zach Thornton, External Affairs Manager, DMA

13:50 New technology options for fundraisers

David McNeill, Digital Director, SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations​)

14:05 Case study: Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)

Sarah Secombes, ‎Head of Community Fundraising, Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)

14:20 “What is good fundraising?”

• As fundraising becomes more professionalised and more crucial for charities’ sustainability, is there a “right way” to fundraise?
• What can we do – as a fundraiser, a CEO or a trustee?

Stephanie Fraser, Chief Executive, Bobath Scotland

14:35 Questions and discussion

15:00 Event Close

*Agenda and speakers subject to change

Venue and costs

Event location: Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ

Delegate rates

• Discounted rate: £149 + VAT (Voluntary / charitable organisations with an annual income of less than £1m)
• Reduced rate: £199 + VAT (Central government departments and agencies, local authorities, universities, colleges, NHS, police, professional associations and voluntary / charitable organisations with an annual income over £1m)
• Full rate: £299 + VAT (Commercial organisations e.g. plc, Ltd, LLP

​For more information please contact Craig Flannigan, by email craig@holyrood.com or phone 0131 285 1691