A code of fundraising ethics has been agreed by professional associations from around the world at the International Fundraising Summit held today.
The summit, which was held by the Institute of Fundraising at the offices of the British Red Cross in London today, featured representatives from 20 different professional fundraising bodies around the world.
As part of the summit, delegates approved what has been called a “revised version of the International Statement of Ethical Principles” which outlines a shared “ethical approach for fundraisers, wherever they work” and “centres on shared principles for fundraising, which are rooted in honesty, respect, integrity, transparency and responsibility”.
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the international fundraising community to London to sign the International Statement of Ethical Principles.
“It’s an important symbol of international cooperation across the fundraising community and recognises that wherever supporters are asked for money, it should always happen to a high standard and according to ethical principles. I’m proud that the IoF is supporting this work which contributes to the delivery of excellent standards of fundraising across the world.”
The statement
The agreed document sets out a series of principles that ought to govern fundraising work across the world. These principles include: honesty, respect, integrity, transparency and responsibility.
The statement also sets out a standards of fundraising practice for international fundraisers. These standards include: responsibility to fully comply with relevant legislation and regulatory standards; responsibility to supporters; responsibility to their cause and beneficiaries and a number of rules around management, costs and finance reporting as well as proper pay and compensation.
The new standards were “agreed by representatives of National Fundraising Associations and adopted at the international Fundraising Summit in London on 5 July 2018”.
The National Fundraising Associations said: “The statement does not replicate, replace, or supersede any laws or codes of conduct that are in place in any individual country, as it is expected that fundraisers will fully observe the law wherever they work.
“Instead, the statement outlines the ethical approach and articulates the values that drive fundraising professionals and provides a framework of how we will work globally.”
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