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| This men-only charity gala is a stain on the sector | This men-only charity gala is a stain on the sector |
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| Charities must face up to and confront any such behaviour in the name of fundraising, and be prepared to refuse donations collected by odious means | |
| Daniel Fluskey | |
| Head of policy and research, Institute of Fundraising | |
| Wed 24 Jan 2018 12.37 GMT | |
| Last modified on Tue 6 Feb 2018 11.40 GMT | |
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| In five years at the Institute of Fundraising I don’t think I’ve read a story with the words “charity” and “fundraising” that made me feel physically sick, but the Financial Times article about the men’s only fundraising events put on annually by the Presidents Club has turned my stomach. Well done to the FT, and in particular the journalist Madison Marriage who had to endure the evening, for bringing this to light. How dispiriting that a day which began with Prince William celebrating the sector at the Charity Commission’s public meeting, ended on such a sour note. | In five years at the Institute of Fundraising I don’t think I’ve read a story with the words “charity” and “fundraising” that made me feel physically sick, but the Financial Times article about the men’s only fundraising events put on annually by the Presidents Club has turned my stomach. Well done to the FT, and in particular the journalist Madison Marriage who had to endure the evening, for bringing this to light. How dispiriting that a day which began with Prince William celebrating the sector at the Charity Commission’s public meeting, ended on such a sour note. |
| The kind of behaviour described – where “hostesses” were groped, sexually harassed and proposition by guests – is utterly unacceptable in any walk of life. It tells us more about what happens when men are able to exploit their power, money, and position, than anything to do with charity fundraising. And yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the Presidents Club is a charitable trust, and this was a fundraising event that raised a reported £2m for charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital. The activity and behaviour that took place to raise that money are a million miles from the values of the charity sector. | The kind of behaviour described – where “hostesses” were groped, sexually harassed and proposition by guests – is utterly unacceptable in any walk of life. It tells us more about what happens when men are able to exploit their power, money, and position, than anything to do with charity fundraising. And yet, we cannot ignore the fact that the Presidents Club is a charitable trust, and this was a fundraising event that raised a reported £2m for charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital. The activity and behaviour that took place to raise that money are a million miles from the values of the charity sector. |
| Hopefully the public condemnation of this event will give organisers and attendees pause for thought in the future. But of course, hope is not enough. The sector as a whole can and should take action where possible. | Hopefully the public condemnation of this event will give organisers and attendees pause for thought in the future. But of course, hope is not enough. The sector as a whole can and should take action where possible. |
| First of all, we all need to face up to and confront any such behaviour that we encounter. Simon Beresford, head of fundraising and marketing at All We Can, has called for an end to any inappropriate behaviour from donors. He’s right. No amount of money could justify any charity staff, volunteer, attendee, or employee of the venues that events are held at, being subjected to this kind of behaviour. No more “it’s ok, that’s just how he is”. No more “grit your teeth and bear it”. Charities have a duty of care to their employees and volunteers. That has to come first. | First of all, we all need to face up to and confront any such behaviour that we encounter. Simon Beresford, head of fundraising and marketing at All We Can, has called for an end to any inappropriate behaviour from donors. He’s right. No amount of money could justify any charity staff, volunteer, attendee, or employee of the venues that events are held at, being subjected to this kind of behaviour. No more “it’s ok, that’s just how he is”. No more “grit your teeth and bear it”. Charities have a duty of care to their employees and volunteers. That has to come first. |
| Last year the Fundraising Regulator introduced a change to the code (pdf) to ensure that charities have clear “whistleblowing” procedures so that any member or staff or volunteer can raise any concerns related to fundraising. It is vital that anyone raising such concerns are listened to, and action is taken. Charity chief executives and chairs need to be leaders that support their staff, reassuring them their safety and wellbeing is paramount, above and beyond achieving fundraising targets. | Last year the Fundraising Regulator introduced a change to the code (pdf) to ensure that charities have clear “whistleblowing” procedures so that any member or staff or volunteer can raise any concerns related to fundraising. It is vital that anyone raising such concerns are listened to, and action is taken. Charity chief executives and chairs need to be leaders that support their staff, reassuring them their safety and wellbeing is paramount, above and beyond achieving fundraising targets. |
| This episode also serves as an important reminder that charities have to think carefully about the donations that they accept, and when they might refuse them. Charity trustees need to be aware where funds come from – not only to make sure they are safe and legal, but to assure themselves that accepting them is in line with the charity’s values and in the best interests of the charity. Every organisation should have a policy on accepting and refusing donations. If not, stories like this should provoke them into action. | This episode also serves as an important reminder that charities have to think carefully about the donations that they accept, and when they might refuse them. Charity trustees need to be aware where funds come from – not only to make sure they are safe and legal, but to assure themselves that accepting them is in line with the charity’s values and in the best interests of the charity. Every organisation should have a policy on accepting and refusing donations. If not, stories like this should provoke them into action. |
| At their best, fundraising events can be hugely inspiring, enjoyable, and meaningful. They can raise vital funds for important causes and raise awareness of campaigns. But charities must do everything we can to ensure every event takes place safely, with the utmost respect for those working or attending them, and that the donations raised enhance rather than tarnish the reputation of the sector. | At their best, fundraising events can be hugely inspiring, enjoyable, and meaningful. They can raise vital funds for important causes and raise awareness of campaigns. But charities must do everything we can to ensure every event takes place safely, with the utmost respect for those working or attending them, and that the donations raised enhance rather than tarnish the reputation of the sector. |
| Daniel Fluskey is the head of policy and research at the Institute of Fundraising. | Daniel Fluskey is the head of policy and research at the Institute of Fundraising. |
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