There are a number of regulators who protect donors by ensuring charities are accountable. Each has a different role. Want to know who to contact? We’ll help you understand their roles and responsibilities.
Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB)
That’s us. We’re the regulatory body that deals with any complaints about any kind of fundraising. We also offer membership for charities and suppliers to a self-regulation scheme which ensures they are accountable for their fundraising.
Find out how to make a complaint.
Statutory regulators of charities
Charity Commission for England and Wales
The Charity Commission is the independent Government department which registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. It:
- grants charitable status to organisations that demonstrate they meet the criteria
- ensures charities provide the right information about their activities each year
- provides searchable information about each registered charity
- provides services and guidance to help charities run effectively
- takes action when there is malpractice or misconduct.
Find out more about the Charity Commission.
Office of Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
OSCR is the independent regulator and registrar for Scottish charities. They are responsible for keeping a record of charities in Scotland and ensuring they comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland registers and regulates charities in Northern Ireland. They make sure the charities meet all their legal requirements and they work with charity trustees to put things right if they go wrong.
Visit the website for the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
General statutory regulators
Trading Standards Institute
The Trading Standards Institute offers protection for consumers. It was founded in 1881 to safeguard people’s health, safety and wellbeing. It aims to empower consumers, encourage honest business and target rogue traders.
Get support from the Trading Standards Institute
OfCOM
OfCOM is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. If you have concerns about the way charities are using telephone or broadcast media, they may be able to help.
Find out more about what OfCOM offers
Information Commissioners Office
The ICO can help with issues around data protection such as the telephone preference service, use of data and mailing lists. They are responsible for upholding information rights, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.
Gambling Commission
One of the things that the Gambling Commission handles in complaints about lotteries. We offer some advice on lotteries on our website, but if you need more support, the Gambling Commission can help.
See more about the Gambling Commission
For marketing issues
Advertising Standards Authority
The ASA is the UK’s independent regulator of advertising across broadcast, print and digital. They apply the Advertising Codes, handle complaints and take action against misleading, harmful or offensive advertisements.
Direct Marketing Commission
The DMC handles any complaints about how its members use direct marketing. They investigate complaints, keep an eye on direct marketing issues and practices, and providing guidance to the public.
See more about what the DMC does
Press Complaints Commission
If you have a concern about a newspaper, magazine or a news website, the PCC can help. They train journalists and editors, and work to prevent harassment and media intrusion. They offer advice on dealing with media attention after a death.