Charity fundraising has been under a lot of public and media scrutiny. There is a feeling that something needs to change in terms of how charity fundraising is regulated. However, what the change might be has yet to be decided.

While change to regulation of charity fundraising could be a very good thing, we need to ensure that the changes work both for the public, and for charities themselves. And while a reboot of fundraising regulation might be an important step, so would a change in the culture of fundraising and an increase in transparency overall.

The review of fundraising in Scotland and the fundraising summit hosted by SCVO in November started a process of reflection and discussion around potential options for Scotland. Since the summit, the Scottish Fundraising Working Group has developed these three potential options for consultation.

Option 1: Here, fundraising regulation would follow the model defined in the Etherington Review. There would be a UK-wide Regulator which would act as an intermediary, taking the role previously done by the Fundraising Standards Board (which is being disbanded). Fundraising in Scotland would become part of this UK-wide structure.

Option 2: In model two, the system would look similar to the UK model. However, an independent Scottish Fundraising Regulator would be created which would play the regulatory role.

Option 3: This option would look very different. There would be no new regulator. Regulation would rely on a strengthening of complaints procedures within charities themselves, and an enhanced role for OSCR.

The working group now wants to hear views from others and a consultation has been launched. The group is looking for as many people as possible to get involved. Maybe you will have a chance to join the working group at the Gathering on Thursday 18th February in the SECC Glasgow. However, that is not the only way to get involved. You can also fill in the survey or send a longer response to research@scvo.org.uk. The background document giving more details on the options can be found on the survey site using the link above.

And so, it is over to you. The consultation is open until the 31st of March this year. If you have a moment, please let the working group know what you think.