Charities should plan for their events to still go ahead despite the escalating coronavirus crisis, according to guidance from the Institute of Fundraising.
More than 95,000 people are thought to have contracted Covid-19 since the virus first emerged in Wuhan, China, in January, and has since spread across the world, including to the UK, where there have been more than 100 confirmed cases.
The IoF guidance, published today, says the current NHS advice is to continue to go to work and public places as usual, pending further advice.
“Of course, each charity will need to consider their own events, but at this stage we would anticipate events going ahead unless the official guidance changes,” the guidance says.
“However, it is sensible for each charity to review their plans, put in place contingencies and provide appropriate information to participants/volunteers/attendees ahead of and at the event.”
Fundraisers are also told to check Foreign & Commonwealth Office guidance on travel before going overseas and to keep public fundraising under review.
“In the event that the official guidance changes and charities need to cancel any events or fundraising activity, it is important that this guidance is followed,” the guidance adds.
“The health of fundraisers, event participants/attendees and volunteers must be put first over and above any lost income that might occur.”
Earlier this week, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations published guidance for charities to protect staff, volunteers and visitors during the epidemic, including managing travel risks, implementing cleaning regimes and providing hand-washing facilities, such as hand sanitiser that is at least 60 per cent alcohol.
The NCVO guidance also calls on charities to make sure they provide clear information to staff and volunteers about prevention measures, including through posters and email, consider the financial costs of any serious disruption and to have contingency plans in place for situations in which large numbers of staff and volunteers are off sick.