- Purpose and Scope
Support Through Court is committed to fundraising that is ethical, safe, and respectful. This policy sets out how we identify, manage, and protect donors and participants who may be in vulnerable circumstances.
It applies to:
- Staff and volunteers involved in fundraising or events
- Participants in fundraising events
- Donors, including individuals, corporate supporters, and trusts
- Third-party fundraisers acting on behalf of the Charity
Our goal is to ensure that no person is pressured, exploited, or disadvantaged when giving or participating in fundraising activities.
2. Definition of Vulnerability
A vulnerable person may be someone who, due to age, health, disability, mental health, financial hardship, literacy, stress, or other personal factors, may be at increased risk of harm or undue influence when fundraising. Examples include:
- Older people who may be isolated
- Young participants under 18
- Individuals experiencing mental health difficulties
- People under financial pressure
Vulnerability may be temporary or situational, and all staff and volunteers must be alert to signs of potential vulnerability.
3. Principles and Ethical Standards
Support Through Court fundraising will always be:
- Respectful — requests for donations or participation are made politely, without pressure
- Transparent — donors are given clear information about how their donations will be used
- Fair — no donor will be exploited or disadvantaged
- Flexible — fundraising approaches will be adapted if a vulnerability is identified
- Compliant — all activity follows the Fundraising Regulator Code (2025), charity law, and internal policies
4. Identification and Risk Assessment
Staff and volunteers are trained to identify vulnerability during fundraising activities. This may include:
- Observing signs of distress, confusion, or undue pressure
- Receiving disclosures from donors or participants
- Considering situational factors (e.g., remote or high-pressure fundraising environments)
Where vulnerability is identified, a risk assessment will be conducted to decide whether: - Fundraising should proceed,
- Adjustments are needed, or
- The activity should be paused or declined
All decisions are recorded in accordance with the Charity’s monitoring and accountability procedures.
5. Actions and Safeguards
When a vulnerable person is identified:
- Fundraising activity will be adapted, paused, or stopped if required
- Escalation will be made to the designated safeguarding lead or fundraising manager
- Clear, supportive communication will be provided to the individual
- Decisions, actions, and outcomes will be documented to ensure accountability
Staff and volunteers must never exploit vulnerability for fundraising purposes.
6. Communication and Support
Participants or donors who believe they may be vulnerable are encouraged to contact the Charity confidentially:
Email: fundraising@supportthroughcourt.org
We will provide support, guidance, and the opportunity to pause or withdraw from fundraising activities if needed.
7. Training and Responsibilities
- All staff and volunteers involved in fundraising or events receive mandatory training on vulnerability and ethical fundraising
- Supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring policies are applied consistently
- Trustees have oversight of compliance and review reports on fundraising risks and outcomes
8. Monitoring and Review
- The policy will be reviewed annually or when relevant guidance changes
- Records of incidents and decisions related to vulnerable persons will be maintained securely
- Internal monitoring ensures that fundraising activities are consistent with the Charity’s
ethical standards and regulatory expectations
9. Regulatory Compliance
This policy is designed to comply with:
- Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice (2025)
- Charity Commission guidance on fundraising, trustee duties, and vulnerable donors
It supports Support Through Court’s commitment to safe, ethical, and transparent fundraising at all times.