Review prompts regulator to make change to Preference Service

[THE FUNDRAISING REGULATOR has unveiled changes to the Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) – the tool that allows people to stop direct marketing communications from charities – strengthening the service for both charities and members of the public.

The changes have been implemented in response to an independent review of the FPS, the results of which were published in November 2020.

The evaluation found that the FPS is continuing to provide a vital backstop to support people in society who may be feeling overwhelmed by contact from charities. It also suggests that the service is an important part of the regulatory support structure that helps to maintain public trust, and ultimately strengthen fundraising.

More than 13,000 people have used the service to date – and a quarter of them are people acting on behalf of a friend or relative. The numbers show that people are accessing the service and it provides a valuable service to those who need to use it.

The review made a number of recommendations. Members of the public can now request that up to 10 charities stop sending them direct marketing in one online transaction: the previous maximum was three charities in one online transaction. It is still possible to suppress up to 20 charities at a time by contacting the FPS via telephone.

With a quarter of the 13,000 people who have used the service to date acting on behalf of a friend or relative, it is also now easier for charities to see if a suppression request has been made on behalf of someone else. That will help indicate that there is a potentially vulnerable person involved, so that charities can ensure they deal with those requests swiftly.

Further information has also been added to the Fundraising Regulator website to help charities understand what they need to do when they receive a suppression request, and to support the public to use the FPS effectively.

In addition to the recommendations made in the evaluation, the Fundraising Regulator has introduced a way for people to submit an FPS request on behalf of someone who has died. When charities access their FPS requests, those made on behalf of a deceased person are clearly shown so that those records can be handled differently to other requests.

Alongside those measures, the regulator is working to increase awareness of the FPS, educating both members of the public and charities about its use and importance. It includes launching targeted digital marketing campaigns, working with other organisations to promote the FPS to people in vulnerable circumstances and engaging with people with a specific interest in charities and people who may be caring for a friend or relative.

The regulator’s chief executive Gerald Oppenheim commented: “The Fundraising Regulator is committed to protecting members of the public, particularly those people in vulnerable circumstances, and equipping charities with the tools they need to protect them, too. Operating the FPS is a vital means of doing this and we will continue to work with the charitable fundraising sector to make sure it can be easily accessed by anyone who might need to use it.” q

Concern for working horses’ welfare leads to charity’s campaigning role

[THE HORSE RESCUE FUND was founded at a time when many deliveries were still being carried out using horses – which at that time were destined for a bleak fate after they finished their working life.

That history explains why, as well as rescuing horses, ponies and donkeys in desperate need, the fund has campaigned for improvements at horse sales, in transit and for equine welfare generally. Indeed, they often work in conjunction with their fellow organisations on some of the largest equine welfare cases.

The charity’s byline is: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome.

A spokesperson for the charity commented: “All of our rescued horses are treated as individuals and – being one of the smaller welfare charities – our staff get to know the likes, dislikes and foibles of each horse in our care, so their treatment can be personally tailored to their needs.”

After rehabilitation and when they are fit, their animals are placed on loan in private adoptive homes to lead happy, useful lives. Some have gone on to win at prestigious shows, and even appeared on television!

They continued: “We never sell them, so we are able to ensure their wellbeing for the rest of their lives; and if their loaners’ circumstances change, they can always be returned to us. Horses do so much for humans – we try to repay some of that debt; they cannot speak, but we can.”

Funds are urgently needed to continue that work: legacies, covenants, individual donations or corporate funding are all most welcome. Members receive a biannual newsletter keeping them up to date with all the happenings on the yard at Woodstock Farm in Norfolk.

For more information visit the website at www.horserescuefund.org.uk or email info@horserescuefund.org.uk. q

Ronnie from Germany

[RONNIE IS Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary’s youngest chimpanzee, born on 23 July 1987 in a zoo in Germany. He grew up with his brother and, for many reasons, his brother was sent elsewhere by the zoo. Nobody wanted poor Ronnie.

The sanctuary’s Jan Garen takes up the story: “Sometime after, we were contacted and asked if we had space to take Ronnie. On 9 June 2007 after a long but smooth journey to Germany and back, Ronnie arrived here at the sanctuary in glorious Wales.

“Ronnie was quick to make friends and has built up quite the relationship with our female chimp, Nakima. They get on like brother and sister! They groom each other, play together and sleep in the same bedroom.

“Ronnie is a very cheeky loveable boy who has also learnt sign language over time. He makes certain hand movements which mean different actions but can tell you to take off your coat, glasses and hat! He has people in stitches when they visit. They find Ronnie fascinating, as do we.

“Apart from his sign language, he loves eating, blowing raspberries and sunbathing. Red peppers are a firm favourite!” q • For more info call 01639 730276, email info@ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk or visit the website at www.ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk