Charity collections

How are the rules for direct debit fundraising enforced in Cheltenham?

Cheltenham Borough Council has a site management agreement with the Institute of Fundraising who have produced a rulebook for collectors. The Institute of Fundraising ensure compliance with their rulebook through a regime of penalties and sanctions, designed to encourage best practice and raise standards in face to face fundraising.

What are the rules for direct debit fundraising in Cheltenham?

The following rules apply to the conduct of direct debit fundraisers in Cheltenham:

1. While on duty, fundraisers should not behave:

• in any way that might reasonably cause members of the public to be or become excessively startled or anxious
• in any way that might reasonably cause other passers by in the immediate vicinity to be or become excessively startled or anxious
• dishonestly or manipulatively, or deliberately use guilt
• in any other way that a reasonable person might judge brings the charity they are representing into disrepute

2. While on duty, fundraisers should not deliberately obstruct members of the public.

3. If a person clearly and obviously indicates - by words or gestures - that they do not wish to be engaged by a fundraiser the fundraiser should make no further attempt to engage that person.

4. No fundraiser should knowingly sign up any person under 18 years of age, except with the expressed and demonstrable consent of a parent, guardian or carer physically present at the time or any person at any time who they reasonably conclude is or may be incapable of informed consent for any reason.

5. Bags should not be left unattended on the public highway, a team member should always remain within 3 metres and line-of-sight of a 'team bag' (where one is used).

6. Fundraisers should make legally compliant solicitation statements.

7. Once a verbal greeting has been made a fundraiser should not take more than three steps alongside or in pursuance of that member of the public, even when asked to do so and may not place themselves directly in the path of a member of the public in such a way that they or any casual observer may reasonably construe 'obstruction'.

8. No fundraiser should work or position themselves within 3 metres of a:

• shop doorway
• pedestrian crossing
• cashpoint machine
• station entrance

9. No fundraiser should proactively suggest to any member of the public that the engagement they are attempting to initiate is 'without commitment'.

10. No fundraiser should suggest to any member of the public that the engagement they are attempting to initiate is "not about money".

11. An ordinary member of the public should be able to clearly identify a person as a fundraiser working on behalf of a charity from a distance of 5 metres.

12. Fundraisers should not intentionally approach members of the public who are 'on duty' and going about their business, such as: uniformed officials, tour guides, street vendors, carers, teachers and so on.

13. Fundraisers should not approach members of the public who are seated on street furniture or are seated in the outdoor seating area of a private business.

14. ID badges must comply with applicable law. A member of the public should be able to clearly verify the identity of a fundraiser, whom they are working for (the user and, if applicable, provider) and contact details for the project and/or campaign manager(s), upon inspection of the fundraiser's ID.

How many collectors are permitted in Cheltenham?

Under the site management agreement no more than 5 fundraisers will be permitted in Cheltenham.

Where are they permitted to fundraise in Cheltenham?

Under the site management agreement face to face fundraisers can only collect on the High Street between the junction of Pittville Street and the junction of Winchcome Street.

On which days are they permitted to fundraise in Cheltenham?

Under the site management agreement face to face fundraisers can only collect on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday between 9am and 7pm.

How can I make a complaint about a fundraiser(s)?

If you want to make a complaint about a collection, please contact the Institute of Fundraising on 020 7401 8452 or visit their website.