Collecting with Confidence: There are Rules.

A plain English guide to the rules that matter for small, local, and volunteer fundraisers.

If you are planning to take part in a charity street collection or help out at a community fundraising event, you are doing more than holding a tin. You are becoming the face of a cause. Whether you are collecting outside a supermarket during a town fair, or on a busy high street, you are raising not only money, but awareness and trust. And with that comes responsibility.

The moment you ask the public for donations, whether as part of a national campaign or a one-off local event, certain rules apply. These are not barriers they are safeguards, and they exist to protect you, the public, and the good name of the charity you represent.

I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and as part of that membership, I agree to carry out all charity collections in accordance with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. This code is the gold standard for ethical and professional fundraising in the UK. It sets out clear, practical guidance for everyone involved in public collections, from seasoned charity professionals to first-time volunteers.

Let’s begin with one of the most common questions: where do you get permission to collect? If your collection takes place on a public street or in a town centre, you must apply for a street collection licence. Across most of the UK this is handled by your local council. However, if your collection is in London, where I am, the rules are different and the application must be made to the Metropolitan Police. It is essential to check the requirements well in advance, as collecting without permission can result in being stopped and could damage your charity’s reputation.

If your collection is taking place inside a private venue such as a supermarket, shopping mall, or railway station you do not necessarily need a licence, but you must have written permission from the site owner or manager. A verbal agreement is not enough. A simple email or letter confirming your collection date and time will help ensure that everyone is clear and covered.

Once you are approved to collect, the way you present yourself matters. If you are representing a registered charity, you must be clearly identifiable. That means wearing a tabard, lanyard, or badge displaying the charity’s name and registration number. You should also carry a letter of authority from the charity which is something you must show if asked by a member of the public, a local authority officer, or the police. Looking the part is one thing, being properly authorised is another.

Your collection containers must also meet certain standards. Tins and buckets must be sealed and secure, with a clear label showing the charity’s name and number. You are not allowed to shake the tin to get attention. That may feel like harmless enthusiasm, but it is considered poor practice and can make people uncomfortable. Instead, stand confidently, greet people warmly, and let your presence speak for itself. A smile and a thank you go much further than noise ever will.

When it comes to handling the donations, it is vital to follow the proper procedure. All funds must be returned, counted, and banked according to the charity’s own policies. If you are volunteering, never take donations home with you. Always return sealed tins as instructed and ensure everything is recorded clearly and honestly. The public gives in trust and that trust is sacred.

If you are planning to involve young people such as Scouts, Cadets, or other local youth organisations it is essential to understand that these groups have their own safeguarding policies, insurance requirements, and rules about public involvement. Always work closely with the group leader and defer to their organisation’s guidelines. They will know what their young people can and cannot do, and their internal policies may go further than the standard public collection rules.

As a general rule, children under 16 (or under 18 in London) are not allowed to collect money on the street. That does not mean they cannot take part, they can support your efforts by greeting passers-by, handing out flyers, or helping with setting up, but the actual collection of money must be left to adults or those old enough to meet the legal requirements.

Being respectful and considerate is also part of the code. Do not block entrances, walkways, or public access points. Be sensitive to people’s personal space. Never follow or pressure someone to donate! Your role is to offer an opportunity, not to persuade or guilt-trip. If someone declines, smile and thank them anyway.

Even at smaller events like village fetes, school fairs, or remembrance parades these same principles apply. Always check if permissions are needed, be clear about your purpose, and ensure the collection is carried out with professionalism.

These rules might sound formal, but they are there to help you fundraise with confidence. They give you structure, legitimacy, and protection. They help ensure the public sees your efforts not as a nuisance, but as something worth supporting.

So the next time you step out with a bucket, you are not just raising money, you are upholding the standards that make public collections something we can all trust. You are part of a proud tradition of fundraising in the UK, and when done well, your presence on the street or at an event can leave a lasting, positive impression on everyone you meet.