The Charity Commission has updated two key pieces of guidance for trustees: CC20, which covers fundraising responsibilities, and CC40, which relates to fundraising for emergencies. The updates come at a time when many charities are facing increased demand for services while needing to work harder to secure donations, making clarity around trustee duties particularly important.
The revised guidance reflects the Commission’s continued focus on maintaining public trust and confidence in charities, and aligns with wider sector developments, including updates to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.
Five key takeaways for trustees
- Both CC20 and CC40 have been shortened and clarified, making them easier for trustees to understand and apply in practice.
- The updated CC20 complements the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice, reinforcing expectations around responsible and ethical fundraising.
- Fundraising oversight and fraud prevention must work together, with trustees responsible for managing risks and protecting charitable funds.
- Emergency appeals must align with a charity’s objects, and trustees should check governing documents before launching or supporting an appeal.
- Transparency about how funds are raised and used is essential, particularly where appeals are time‑limited or linked to emergencies.
Further information:
- Charity fundraising: a guide to trustee duties (CC20)
- Fundraising for an emergency (CC40)
- Code of Fundraising Practice
For further support, organisations can contact VODA’s Core Services Team on 0191 323 2040 or email development@voda.org.uk.
