| British Red Cross fundraisers talk to people directly – in the street, on the doorstep and over the phone. It is the most cost-effective way of recruiting monthly supporters to the Red Cross and has become a hugely important part of our fundraising activity, raising over £7 million for our services in 2007 alone.
However, we are aware that these fundraising techniques do raise some questions and these pages are intended to answer them.
Why do you use these fundraising techniques?
Put simply, it works. On the street, doorstep and telephone, our fundraisers have doubled the number of regular givers to the Red Cross over the last four years – an increase that was recognised at the 2007 Third Sector Awards where we won the ‘best investment strategy’ prize.
The value of a regular gift via direct debit cannot be overstated. The long-term security of these donations lets us plan ahead with confidence and be ready to respond when emergencies occur.
These campaigns also attract a diverse range of supporters, many of whom we have not been able to reach through methods such as mail and television. For example, our street fundraising has led to a marked rise in the number of young supporters who are committed to long-term giving.
Do you teach them about your work?
As well as raising money for our projects, our fundraisers take news of our work to thousands of people in all parts of the country. To help make sure our fundraisers are knowledgeable ambassadors for the Red Cross, we hold frequent training sessions to teach them about our history, ideals and projects. We take pride in the knowledge, enthusiasm and quality of our fundraisers.
Do you monitor your fundraisers’ behaviour?
We closely monitor our campaigns to ensure our representatives adhere to all regulations and codes of best practice set out by the Fundraising Standards Board, Institute of Fundraising and Public Fundraising Regulatory Association.
The code of conduct states that face-to-face fundraisers:
- should not use manipulative techniques
- should never say anything that could pressure or harass people
- must always end a conversation in a polite and respectful manner as soon as they are asked to.
Our fundraisers follow this code. Before any form of face-to-face fundraising can take place in an area, we always inform the local authority and local police.
Where our fundraisers are working
Who can I contact about your fundraisers?
If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website or if you have any concerns about the conduct of someone representing the British Red Cross, please contact our supporter care team on 0844 87 100 87. Alternatively you can send your questions to supportercare@redcross.org.uk. | 
