Institute of Fundraising publishes safeguarding guidance

Following on from accusations of safeguarding failures within international aid charities earlier this year, the Institute of Fundraising in the UK has launched new guidance to assist charities with safety and safeguarding in fundraising.

The guidance is divided into three resources and aims to help charities make safeguarding an organisational priority for fundraising, learn how to assess risk, and how to effectively protect their supporters.

Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of the Institute of Fundraising, said: “When it comes to safeguarding, nobody can afford to turn a blind eye. We all have a duty to consider how we can help protect those we come into contact with. This is not only about protecting those at risk of harm and abuse, but promoting a positive, supportive and accountable culture that nurtures the general health, safety and wellbeing of all those we work with.”

The first piece of guidance helps fundraisers understand their rights and what to do if things go wrong, while the next supports managers in developing and maintaining a safe and supportive working culture. It covers the key principles to consider, signposting relevant guidance as well as offering simple checklists aimed at helping managers identify what they can do to embed and maintain a supportive and safe environment for trustees, employees and volunteers.

The third resource aims to help charities keep their fundraising and fundraisers safe, exploring what steps can be taken to safeguard employees, volunteers, beneficiaries and supporters. This covers risk assessments, recruitment and training, how to respond to safeguarding incidents and more.

Related story: Aid charities focus on improving safeguarding following revelations of misconduct