What the 2025 Code of Fundraising Practice Means for UK Fundraisers

The Fundraising Regulator’s updated Code of Fundraising Practice, effective from 1 November 2025, marks the most significant overhaul of UK fundraising standards since 2019.

Gone are the days of exhaustive, rule-heavy checklists. In their place is a principles-based framework—designed to offer flexibility, encourage sound judgement, and reflect the evolving world of fundraising.

But what does that mean for you as a fundraiser or charity leader? Here's a breakdown of the key changes, what they mean in practice, and the steps you can take now to stay compliant and confident.

1. From Rules to Principles

The biggest shift is in tone. The 2025 Code prioritises values like honesty, openness, respect, and legality, rather than listing every possible rule.

Rather than stating what to do in every situation, it encourages fundraisers to apply judgement, guided by principles.

What this means for you:

You’re trusted to assess situations and act responsibly—great for autonomy, but it also demands strong internal culture, training, and ethical awareness.

Actions to take:

• Update internal policies and training to reflect the values-based approach.

• Support your team to develop confidence in making context-based decisions

• Encourage open discussions around “what’s the right thing to do” in tricky situations.

2. Simplified Structure and Navigation

Sections have been grouped logically. For example:

• Behaviour when fundraising now has just two sections instead of three

• Vulnerability now sits in its own dedicated section (5.2), not buried in general behaviour.

• Digital platforms, donation methods, and communications are consolidated for clarity.

What this means for you:

It’s easier to find the guidance you need—no more hunting through multiple chapters for similar content. But with less detail, you may need to refer to external sources more often.

Actions to take:

• Familiarise yourself with the new layout: View the 2025 Code.

• Revise internal guidance documents to reflect new section numbers and terminology.

• Make time for a team walk-through of the new Code to increase familiarity.

3. Clearer Guidance on Vulnerability and Safeguarding

Previously, support for people in vulnerable circumstances was mixed into general rules. Now, Section 5.2 provides dedicated safeguarding guidance—making it easier to identify and act on your responsibilities.

What this means for you:

You now have clearer, more accessible expectations around identifying and supporting people who may need extra care.

Actions to take:

• Update your safeguarding training and policies to align with Section 5.2.

• Brief all frontline fundraisers, volunteers, and team leaders on changes to ensure consistent practice.

4. Stronger Governance and Trustee Responsibility

Sections on governance have been expanded. The 2025 Code includes:

• Specific responsibilities for decision-making, such as accepting/refusing donations, risk assessments, and data protection.

• A clear requirement for trustees to support a compliant, ethical fundraising culture.
  

What this means for you:

Trustees are now more explicitly accountable. Your charity’s leadership must actively oversee fundraising, not just approve it from a distance.

Actions to take:

• Ensure trustees are briefed and trained on their new responsibilities.

• Document decisions about high-risk donations or fundraising approaches.

• Carry out regular risk and compliance reviews.

5. Greater Emphasis on Data Protection

The 2025 Code integrates GDPR and data handling more thoroughly. It requires charities to:

• Document lawful bases for processing donor data.

• Follow stricter data-sharing rules.

• Use tools like 3D Secure where relevant to protect online transactions.

What this means for you:

Data protection is now part of day-to-day fundraising compliance—not just an IT or legal concern.

Actions to take:

• Audit your current data practices and update privacy policies.

• Ensure donation systems meet updated security requirements

• Provide regular training on GDPR and donor data rights.

6. Smarter Donation Processing

Donation guidance has been streamlined—cutting from nine separate sections down to five. The Code now focuses on risk management and procedural safeguards, including:

• Proper labelling and sealing of collection boxes.

• Use of secure online payment standards like PCI-DSS and 3D Secure.

• Referral to HMRC for Gift Aid rules, rather than restating them in detail.

What this means for you:

There’s less duplication and more emphasis on doing things properly—but you may need to refer out to specialist resources more often.

Actions to take:

• Review and document your donation processes.

• Ensure all equipment (e.g. collection boxes) meets updated requirements.

• Update volunteer guidance to reflect simplified donation handling procedures.

7. A Digital-First and Future-Ready Code

The new Code better reflects today’s fundraising environment:

• Guidance for online platforms is more specific.

• Recognition of new payment methods (e.g. cryptocurrency) is included.

• Digital communications (email, social, SMS) are grouped together for consistency.
  

What this means for you:

You’ll spend less time guessing how modern tools fit into outdated guidance. But staying informed about tech changes is now part of your compliance duty.

Actions to take:

• Reassess your digital campaigns for compliance with the new Code.

• Engage with platform providers (JustGiving, Crowdfunder, etc.) to ensure they understand and support the Code.

• Stay updated on digital fundraising trends and related regulatory changes.

In Summary

The 2025 Code is not just an update—it’s a reset. It brings fundraising regulation into line with today’s realities, but it asks more of us as professionals. It expects us to be more thoughtful, more accountable, and more values-led in every decision we make.

With the right support, training, and internal culture, this is a change that can empower fundraisers and strengthen trust with supporters.

Need help preparing?

We can support your team with:

• Code of Practice training

• Policy and process reviews

• Support for trustees and governance leads

Let’s have a chat about how we can help you make the most of the new Code.