CEO Appointed to UK’s New Fundraising Regulator
17 December 2015 at 10:47 am
The former head of the Big Lottery Fund, Stephen Dunmore, has been appointed as the interim CEO of the UK’s new Fundraising Regulator.
The UK Government said that during his 12 month appointment, Dunmore would be responsible for setting up the new fundraising body, working with the interim chair, Lord Michael Grade and the new Board.
The new fundraising body was announced by the UK Government in October 2015 to regulate all charity fundraising and take over ownership of the code of practice from the Institute of Fundraising.
“I very much welcome the opportunity to lead the development of the new organisation,” Dunmore said.
“The tremendous contribution that the charitable sector makes to our society depends on the trust that all those who donate have in our charities. I will work closely with charities large and small alongside other key partners to ensure that the Fundraising Regulator maintains and enhances that trust.”
The new fundraising regulator was set up after public unease about fundraising practices which led to a national inquiry by National Council for Voluntary Organisations CEO, Sir Stuart Etherington.
The inquiry looked into the self-regulation of charity fundraising and recommend that a new regulator should set its own standards for fundraising good practice.
Currently, standards are set by fundraisers themselves via their trade body, the Institute of Fundraising.
The review panel said this was an inappropriate arrangement which was not in the public interest and had damaged fundraising regulation.
The new fundraising regulator is to be funded by charities and have strong links with the UK Charity Commission and Information Commissioner.
Sir Stuart Etherington said there was a clear need for a more visible and effective regulator with tough new powers.
“The public has to know where to report their concerns and have confidence that action will be taken in relation to wrong-doing. This will inevitably mean big changes in relation to how charities raise funds from the public,” Etherington said.
“I know that charities understand the necessity of restoring public trust and are aware that changes are required.”
The new Fundraising Regulator is expected to begin operating early in 2016.
