Appco UK Reviews Fundraising Regulator’s Market Inquiry Report 2024
- Appco UK
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
The Fundraising Regulator’s Market Inquiry Report 2024 provides essential guidance for charities on managing their face-to-face (F2F) fundraising operations in collaboration with agencies and subcontractors. For over 25 years, Appco UK has partnered with charities to design and implement high-impact fundraising campaigns. As a leading partner in the sector, Appco UK welcomed the report for reassessing best practices and ensuring charity partners remain informed, compliant, and equipped to navigate the evolving fundraising landscape. The report underscores the importance of due diligence, training, and monitoring in ensuring ethical, effective, and compliant fundraising practices.
As demand for F2F fundraising continues to grow, charities are increasingly focused on best practices and strong governance when working with agencies. In response to the report’s findings, Appco UK has worked closely with its charity partners to support their obligations, fostering a collaborative and structured approach that enhances transparency, efficiency, and ethical standards in fundraising.Â
This review will look at key insights from the report and highlight how Appco UK continues to lead the way in supporting charities with their fundraising initiatives.
The Growing Role of Face-to-Face Fundraising
F2F fundraising remains a vital means for charities to engage with supporters directly. With the evolving regulatory landscape and increasing public expectations around transparency and compliance, charities are navigating through best practices while maintaining meaningful connections with their supporters.
The 2024 Market Inquiry Report clarifies industry responsibilities in managing F2F fundraising effectively. By prioritising a strong governance structure, charities can ensure their partnerships with agencies align with ethical standards and deliver successful, sustainable campaigns.
Key Findings from the Report
The report identifies two fundamental areas that must be prioritised:
Due Diligence: Charities vet and oversee their partnerships with fundraising agencies and subcontractors. Establishing clear contractual obligations and conducting thorough oversight is crucial to ensuring ethical and legal compliance.
Training and Monitoring: Fundraisers must be well-equipped to represent charities professionally and effectively. Continuous monitoring and engagement help maintain quality standards and ensure positive supporter interactions.
Appco UK’s Commitment to Best Practice
Aligned with the Fundraising Regulator’s recommendations in their report, Appco UK remains committed to further enhancing all due diligence processes, supporting any training programs, and monitoring systems to help charities meet their obligations while achieving their fundraising goals.
1. Strengthening Due Diligence
Within this industry, structured governance frameworks must be adhered to. At Appco UK, due diligence is embedded in every aspect of the operations:
Thorough Vetting of Partners: We work alongside agencies with training in ethical and effective fundraising. All partners undergo rigorous assessments and compliance training.
Clear and Transparent Agreements: Structured contracts outline roles, responsibilities, compliance requirements, and performance expectations to ensure clarity and accountability.
Ongoing Audits and Reviews: Regular audits and performance reviews uphold industry-leading standards, ensuring continuous alignment with best practices.
By taking a proactive approach, we help charities build campaigns on a foundation of trust, transparency, and accountability.
2. Elevating Training and Monitoring
Effective training is fundamental to maintaining high-quality supporter interactions and ensuring fundraisers operate with professionalism and integrity. Appco UK works alongside charity partners to provide engaging and comprehensive training, focusing on:
Structured Learning Programs: Fundraisers receive detailed training on charity missions, ethical engagement, and compliance requirements, ensuring they confidently represent the charity and its goals.
Practical On-the-Ground Coaching: A key element of fundraiser development includes shadowing, in-field coaching, and hands-on guidance. This real-world approach complements theoretical learning and strengthens fundraiser capabilities.
Ongoing Support and Performance Monitoring: Regular field audits and feedback mechanisms maintain high professional standards, ensuring fundraisers align with campaign expectations and regulatory requirements.
Navigating the Future Together
Maintaining proactive governance and collaboration is key as charities and agencies adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape. The anticipated updates to the Code of Fundraising Practice later this year will further shape industry standards, requiring ongoing adaptability and a commitment to best practices.
Charities and fundraising agencies can navigate these developments effectively by focusing on due diligence, training, and continuous oversight. Appco UK remains committed to innovation and structured collaboration with charity partners to support their success in an evolving sector.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
At Appco UK, we believe in growing and maintaining strong partnerships that drive meaningful and sustainable fundraising outcomes. Through Appco UK’s expertise, commitment to compliance, and dedication to best practice, we work alongside charities to ensure they maximise their fundraising potential while upholding ethical and professional standards.
This report reminds charities to reassess their strategies, enhance governance frameworks, and strengthen collaboration within the sector. We welcome continued discussions with charity partners as we collectively navigate industry changes, ensuring that fundraising remains impactful, innovative, and sustainable. Appco UK encourages ongoing dialogue and engagement for charities seeking guidance on implementing best practices in F2F fundraising. By working together, charities can continue to deliver successful fundraising campaigns that make a lasting difference.