From 1 November 2025, the Fundraising Regulator’s updated Code of Fundraising Practice will come into effect. It’s shorter and clearer than the current code, with updates to reflect modern fundraising methods. Most existing requirements remain, but some rules have been reframed and a few new areas introduced—such as convenience giving and unstaffed collections, safeguarding fundraisers, and engaging constructively with the Regulator on enquiries.
For churches and Christian charities, this is a good moment to review processes and ensure we steward well the resources God has entrusted to us—with transparency and secure ways to give. Here are two practical examples:
- Cash donations: The new code requires clear procedures for counting, recording and banking cash without delay, setting out who does what, when, and how it’s monitored (see section 3.1.1).
- QR codes: If you add QR codes to posters or pew cards to link to your giving webpage, you should carry out a fraud risk check. For example, this may include using a trusted QR generator, testing the link destination, not leaving QR codes unattended permanently, and considering a recognisable URL preview – something you can see when you hover over the QR code. See section 7.5 of the the handling cashless donations guide for more information.
You can read the new code here. For more practical tips and guides, see the Regulator’s FAQs and guides on fundraising events and social media.
If you’d like help with the new code or have other questions on fundraising, please get in touch with your usual contact or call 01858 411568.