Keep it legal

There are many rules and regulations that govern the running of activities which involve the general public. You are responsible for ensuring that any activity you organise in aid of your fundraising for Oxfam complies with the law. Oxfam cannot accept liability for activities run in its name.

There are many sources of information and advice. Local councils, Police, Trading Standards Offices, and The Council for Voluntary Action may all be able to offer advice and support, depending on what you’re planning to do. If you describe your intentions and explain who is likely to attend, these organisations should be able to advise you.
Or try your local library – or the internet.

One word of caution: make sure the information/advice is applicable and relevant to the UK (and its laws!), rather than to any other country. Because you are raising over £500 you’re classed as a professional fundraiser and there are certain rules you need to adhere to. You must inform your sponsors that you are a professional fundraiser. So write this in any correspondence you have between you and your sponsors. The correct wording is on your sponsor and remittance form.

Seeking advice and permission – a checklist

Contact your local council for any necessary permissions, licensing, trading standards, and health and safety issues.

Contact your local police if you are planning an event in a public place. For example, if the event is to be held on public roads, or if it could cause traffic disruption.

Street and house-to-house collections

You need a licence from your local authority to collect funds on the street – in any public place, or house-to-house. It is illegal to collect funds in this way without a licence. Most local authorities publish information about how to get a licence on their websites. You should allow at least two months to obtain one.

If you’re collecting on private property, such as in a pub or supermarket, you must obtain permission in writing from the owner or manager. And when you’re collecting, you must always have a copy of the licence or written permission with you. Anyone who’s collecting on your behalf must be aged 16 or over. (So must you!)

Please do not pressurise people to donate – and please do not act in a manner that might damage Oxfam’s good reputation (or even your own!).

Collection boxes/buckets/tins

For legal reasons, as well as cost, we’re sorry that we cannot supply collection boxes, buckets or tins to fundraisers. All donations must be placed in a sealed container. The seal on the collecting box may be a lock, self-adhesive paper, or some other device – just as long as it provides a means of easily detecting any attempt to tamper with, or break the seal. By itself, a lock can usually be opened and closed fraudulently without detection, so it’s a good idea to include some other form of sealing device too.

Collection boxes, buckets, and tins must be opened and counted by two people – you and someone to whom you are not related.

Raffles and lotteries

There are very strict and complex laws relating to raffles and lotteries. Fundraisers must consult The Institute
of Fundraising Laws before organising a raffle or lottery. If you – or anyone on your behalf – is thinking of running a lottery in England, Wales or Scotland, we strongly
recommend that they get a copy of Lotteries and the Law, available from the Gaming Board of Great Britain.

In Northern Ireland, contact the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action for a copy of their booklet Lotteries: A Guide for Voluntary Groups.

Other resources:

The Institution of Fundraising
www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk

The Directory of Social Change
www.dsc.org.uk

Also in this section

• Keep it safe
• A–Z of fundraising ideas