Door-to-door, street and private site fundraising will be allowed from Monday as part of the next step in the government’s roadmap out of national lockdown measures, ministers have confirmed.
The easing of Covid-19 restrictions for the sector will allow fundraisers to resume face-to-face interactions with supporters after more than a year of finding new ways to raise funds and moving many events online.
In a statement, Baroness Barran, the minister for civil society, said: “Our charities have played an invaluable role in the national effort against coronavirus.
“From supporting those suffering with poor mental health to providing activities for young people and tackling loneliness, they have responded to the impact of coronavirus on vulnerable people and continue to relieve the pressure on our NHS.
“As we move out of lockdown and public fundraising is permitted from next week, it’s important to remember that many people still rely on the vital work our charities do.”
The Fundraising Regulator said it would publish updated guidance to support fundraising organisations as they resume public fundraising activities on Monday.
Lord Toby Harris, chair of the fundraising watchdog, said: “It is important that public fundraising activities should only take place once a thorough risk assessment has been carried out, so that the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and members of the public are protected.”
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, highlighted the astonishing nature of public giving throughout the pandemic.
He said: “As further stages of lockdown ease we look forward to charities being able to plan further fundraising events, bringing people together safely and offering opportunities to once again join coffee mornings and fetes, as well as concerts and larger participation events, which all contribute to making the world a better place.”
The announcement today marks a year since the government revealed a £750m bailout for charities and civil society groups to help them through the pandemic.
The government estimates that its financial support package has helped more than 15,000 organisations.