About Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope

Ethical Fundraising Policy

 

1. Introduction

This policy outlines how Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope manages ethical considerations and social responsibility in all fundraising activity. Our commitment is to always operate with honesty, integrity, transparency, and in full compliance with the law and sector regulations, including the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.

2. Principles

We are guided by the following principles in all fundraising activity:

  • Legal Compliance: We comply with UK law and Charity Commission guidance, including Charity Commission CC20 – Charity Fundraising: a guide to trustee duties.

  • Ethical Conduct: We commit to fair, respectful, and responsible fundraising.

  • Transparency: We will be open about our mission, activities, and how funds are used.

  • Respect for Donors: We will protect supporters’ rights and preferences at all times.

  • Accountability: We will be responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

3. Responsibility for Fundraising Ethics

Trustees

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for ensuring fundraising aligns with charity values and legal duties. Trustees are aware of and follow the six key principles in CC20:

  1. Planning effectively

  2. Supervising fundraisers

  3. Protecting the charity’s reputation

  4. Complying with the law

  5. Monitoring fundraising performance

  6. Being accountable and open

Fundraising Staff and Volunteers

All individuals involved in fundraising—staff or volunteers—must read and follow this policy and uphold high standards of ethical behaviour.

4. Supporter Rights

We recognise that our supporters have the right to:

  • Receive clear and honest information about our work

  • Understand how their donations will be used

  • Have their personal data handled securely and responsibly

  • Choose how and when they are contacted

  • Lodge complaints and receive prompt responses

  • Withdraw consent at any time for future communication

We will never share or sell personal data and will respect all data protection and privacy regulations.

5. Working with Vulnerable Individuals

We do not:

  • Pressure individuals to give

  • Accept or solicit donations from individuals who we know or suspect lack the capacity to make informed decisions

We will always act with sensitivity, and respond appropriately to any sign of vulnerability.

6. Acceptance and Refusal of Donations

All decisions on whether to accept or refuse a donation are made with the best interests of the charity in mind.

We follow a separate Acceptance and Refusal of Donations Policy which outlines in detail:

  • When a donation might be refused (e.g. due to ethical or reputational risk)

  • How to assess donations from high-risk sources or anonymous gifts

  • The due diligence process for large or unusual donations

7. Commercial Relationships

We do not endorse or promote commercial products or services. Any relationship with a business partner will be carefully assessed for alignment with our charitable objectives and values.

8. Restricted Donations

Where a donor wishes their donation to be used for a specific purpose, this must be clearly indicated in writing. Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope will honour such requests and record the donation as restricted funds.

9. Ethical Online Fundraising

We strive to ensure all our digital and online fundraising channels uphold the same high standards of transparency and ethics. This includes:

  • Ensuring all donation mechanisms are secure

  • Being clear about donation options and recurring payments

  • Responding to online queries or complaints quickly and respectfully

  • Avoiding any misleading content or emotional exploitation

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if required by changes in legislation, fundraising standards, or organisational strategy.

 

Approved by:

Blessing Olalemi: May 30th

Kerry- Ann Batten: May 29

John Olalemi: May 30th

 

Last reviewed: May 30th 2025 | Next review: June 2026