Door-to-door, street and private site fundraising can resume next week, the government said this morning.
As part of the government's roadmap for loosening lockdown restrictions, charity shops, other non-essential retail, community leisure centres have all been planning to re-open from Monday 12 April.
Today the government confirmed that public fundraising would also be permitted. The Fundraising Regulator said it will be publishing new guidance to coincide with activities returning.
These fundraising activities have not been allowed since January, when the country when into its third national lockdown, although charities have continued to raise money online.
Government: Charities' role 'invaluable'
Baroness Barran, the minister for civil society, said: “Our charities have played an invaluable role in the national effort against coronavirus.
“From supporting those suffering with poor mental health, to providing activities for young people and tackling loneliness, they have responded to the impact of coronavirus on vulnerable people and continue to relieve the pressure on our NHS.
“That’s why we have provided unprecedented financial support, which has helped tens of thousands of people across the country, and we continue to work closely with the sector to understand where pressures are being felt.
“As we move out of lockdown and public fundraising is permitted from next week, it’s important to remember that many people still rely on the vital work our charities do.
“I’d like to thank the public for their continued generosity in supporting charitable causes both with time and donations.”
Peter Lewis, the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted that from 12 April charities in England will once again be able to have conversations on the doorstep or the street about your favourite cause.
“As further stages of lockdown ease, we look forward to charities being able to plan further fundraising events, bringing people together safely and offering opportunities to once again join coffee mornings and fetes, as well as concerts and larger participation events, which all contribute to making the world a better place.”
New guidance
Lord Toby Harris, the chair of the Fundraising Regulator, said that sector leaders would be publishing new guidance as fundraising reopens next week.
Harris said: “Door-to-door, street and private site fundraising are all essential means of generating vital funds for so many organisations that support our communities across the UK.
“On 12 April, the Fundraising Regulator and Chartered Institute of Fundraising will be publishing updated guidance to support fundraising organisations as they resume public fundraising activities.
“The updated guidance will provide information in line with the latest government advice. Fundraising organisations are strongly advised to review and follow this updated guidance when planning their public fundraising activities.
“It is important that public fundraising activities should only take place once a thorough risk assessment has been carried out, so that the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and members of the public are protected.
“All fundraising should continue to follow the standards as set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice.”
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