Hotlines open to monitor charity fundraising practices

Further protection for the public against aggressive fundraising tactics by charities has come into operation with a new phone line and website for reporting operations by Scottish registered charities.

The move follows the recommendation of the Fundraising Working Group in Scotland. The Fundraising Regulator will operate as the lead regulator for cross-border charities – those that operate in Scotland but are registered in England & Wales.

The phone number and website will be run by Scottish Fundraising Complaints, set up by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and Scottish charity regulator OSCR.

Members of the public concerned about the fundraising tactics of a charity in Scotland should call Scottish Fundraising Complaints on 0808 164 2520, visit https://fundraisingcomplaints.scot or email scottishfundraisingcomplaints@scvo.org.uk.

Communities Secretary Angela Constance said: “This move follows extensive consultation with the third sector and the public and I’m confident it will keep public trust in our charities at the high level they deserve to be.”

Martin Sime, chief executive, SCVO, added: “Enhanced self-regulation has been identified as the best way to oversee fundraising in Scotland and support our vibrant sector to continue to flourish in a backdrop of public trust and transparency.

“We have learned through our consultation that charities and the public needed a much simpler approach, and now we have it.

“The new phone and email service will make it easier for members of the public to complain about charity fundraising by helping them find the right place to raise their fundraising complaint and get it resolved."