Charity Sector Calls for TPS Review

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association has backed calls for a change in the Telephone Preference Service regulations.

A spokesman for the PFRA said the existing system was a one-size-fits-all regulation that does not constitute best regulatory practice, does not maximise donor choice and does not maximise opportunities for charities to fundraise.

He went on to add: "Although a campaign to reform the system risks a confrontation with the consumer protection lobby, fundraisers must be prepared to take this on."

The Institute of Fundraising announced earlier this month that it would consult its members to find out whether fundraisers had an appetite to lobby for a change to the regulations.

The consultation will also ask fundraisers whether there should be an exemption, opt-out or opt-in system for telephone fundraising.
 

Mark Burdett of NCi Charity, the UK’s Charity Insurance Broker, had this to say about the PFRA’s plans, “It’s clear that the not for profit has been hit hard in recent times so it’s understandable why they are keen to differentiate themselves from normal sales calls that consumers object to. In view of the great work most charities do and how they benefit society as a whole, I don’t think many people would object to the telephone preference service being altered to accommodate them.”

For further information on the Charity Liability Insurance facilities available from NCi Charity, visit http://www.ncinsurance.co.uk/charityinsurance.html or call 0800 046 1446.