Coronavirus guidance updated as lockdown eases [IN APRIL the Fundraising Regulator and Chartered Institute of Fundraising
published a series of updated guidance documents to support charities as they resume public fundraising activities. The updated guidance provides information in line with the latest government advice. Fundraising organisations are strongly advised to review and follow the updated guidance when planning their public fundraising activities. On 12 April guidance was published regarding fundraising key principles and public fundraising. Their publication co-incided with the return to public fundraising. The ‘fundraising key principles’ guidance highlights the issues charities should consider when adapting the way their organisation fundraises as lockdown measures are eased. In particular it provides advice on how to plan future fundraising, how to behave and interact safely and respectfully with the public, how to safeguard the public, staff and volunteers, and undertaking a risk assessment. The ‘public fundraising’ guidance is meant to be read in conjunction with the overarching COVID-19 guidance and the key principles. The following week, on 19 April, two further guidance documents were published covering events and community fundraising activities and cash collections. Each sets out a framework to aid good decision-making which should be applied to any charitable community and events fundraising activity. The new guidance highlights relevant government regulations and identifies additional considerations that fundraising organisations should think about as they plan community fundraising activities – including social distancing requirements, conducting risk assessments, and capacity limits. Charlotte Urwin, head of policy at the Fundraising Regulator, explained: “Our latest guidance on events and community fundraising and cash collections is an important addition to the existing suite of guidance we have published to support the safe and responsible return of public-facing fundraising activities. This guidance provides a framework that will help fundraisers make decisions about how to return to those activities as restrictions ease across the UK. “Before applying the guidance, fundraisers must check the relevant guidelines in the area where their fundraising is being carried out to account for specific guidance from the devolved nations.” Daniel Fluskey, head of policy and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, added: “This guidance will help charities and fundraisers navigate the return to physical community and events fundraising activities in a safe and carefully considered way. We have provided key considerations and provided links to relevant guidance to help charities as they put together their plans for weeks and months ahead. We know that some charities and supporters are really keen to return to in-person events and hope that this provides reassurance for organisations as they put in place future plans.” All the guidance documents can be accessed at the website www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/guidance/coronavirus q
Caring for chelonia [THE BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP publishes six newsletters
a year containing details of meetings, short articles, news items and veterinary notes. Their journal Testudo is published annually and contains original articles and reviews on all aspects of turtles, terrapins and tortoises – their biology, conservation, welfare, veterinary care and husbandry. The group also organises symposia. As well as the yearly appeals in aid of specific international causes in chelonia research and survival, the BCG assists other worthy causes in support of its aims with grants. They invite grant applications from organisations and individuals engaged on the work of chelonia conservation – such as zoos, universities, zoologists and students in this country and overseas. q
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