Members of the public can now request that up to 10 charities stop sending them direct marketing in one online transaction using the Fundraising Preference Service (FPS).
The Fundraising Regulator implemented three main changes yesterday following an independent review of the tool in 2020. Previously, the maximum number charities people could block in one transaction was three.
People can still suppress up to 20 charities by phoning the regulator.
Information has been added to the Fundraising Regulator’s website with guidance for charities on what to do after receiving a suppression request.
The regulator has also added a way for people to submit an FPS request on behalf of someone who has died. This will make it clear on charity records so they can be handled differently to other requests.
Thirdly the regulator has made it easier for charities to see if a suppression request has been made on behalf of someone else. It hopes this will help indicate that there is a potentially vulnerable person involved, so that charities can ensure they deal with these requests swiftly.
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “The Fundraising Regulator is committed to protecting members of the public, particularly those people in vulnerable circumstances, and equipping charities with the tools they need to protect them too.
“Operating the FPS is a vital means of doing this and we will continue to work with the charitable fundraising sector to make sure it can be easily accessed by anyone who might need to use it.”
The regulator has said it is also working to increase awareness of the service. It will do so by launching digital marketing campaigns and partnering with other organisations to promote it.
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