Fundraising and the law

Collections

It is illegal to carry out house-to-house or public street collections without a license. If you want to hold a collection on private property (e.g. train station, supermarket) you must get permission from the manager first.

Food hygiene

You do not need a food hygiene certificate to make and sell food for charity events. However, the food you provide should still be safe to eat and should follow food safety and hygiene best-practices.

You may need to register with your local authority as a food business if you provide food on a regular and organised basis. If you are putting on a one-off event for friends and neighbours, you do not need to register as a food business. Please contact your local authority if you are unsure if your activity needs to be registered.

If any food businesses are present at your event, they must be registered with the local council, so please do check that they are before your event.

Further information regarding food safety requirements for charity events and hygiene best practices can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/providing-food-at-community-and-charity-events and https://www.food.gov.uk/how-to-safely-host-a-street-party#street-party-registration

Public liability insurance

When you organise a fundraising event, you will be responsible for making sure it poses no risk to others. That’s why we’d recommend you take out public liability insurance cover for events such as a sponsored walk or sports event. Unfortunately, PSPA’s own policy won’t cover you but we can advise you about the kind of cover you need. Resources that you may use for some events, such as burger vans, bouncy castles and ice cream vans, should all come with their own public liability insurance. Ask to see copies of these before agreeing for them to come along to your event.

Raffles and lotteries

Raffles, lotteries and prize draws are all governed by legislation. Before organising one and spending money on getting tickets printed, please check out the rules at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.  You should also be aware that lottery laws cover any events which are purely down to luck or chance, such as duck or balloon races even.

Data protection

Be aware of data protection if gathering contact details or taking photographs. Ensure that you have permission to collect and store someone’s details, or use photographs.

Licenses

When organising a fundraising event, it is prudent to contact your local council to find out whether you need to obtain any special licenses (e.g. public entertainment, collection or alcohol licenses). If your event is taking place in a public space you must have permission from the council or landowner.

Risk Assessments

Completing a risk assessment can help you to identify any hazards and risks at your  fundraising activity, and assess what you will need to consider.  Ensure you have adequate first aid available for the size of your event.  If you are not sure, check with your local council for advice. Help for completing a risk assessment can be found at www.hse.gov.uk