Having recently become chair of the regulator, what is your overall impression of the current state of fundraising?

I believe that most fundraising in this country is conducted with good and honourable intentions and there is no intent to unduly or inappropriately pressurise people to give. Having said that, it is critical that the public has confidence in fundraising and people are assured that the organisation they are giving to is operating best practice.

Confidence in charities goes up and down, but by and large I think people’s attitudes towards charities remains positive. However, recent issues around sex abuse and the Presidents Club scandal linger in people’s minds and may destabilise public goodwill and people’s propensity to give. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth. The sector can withstand shocks, but they increase the vulnerability to future shocks. It is essential that the charity sector and fundraising is proactive about showing that it is taking these things seriously and trying to resolve them.