Legalities

There are a number of legal regulations concerning how you can fundraise and collect money for charity. This is to protect the public from fraud. Don’t let the regulations put you off organising an event, but do make sure you stick to them!

Things to remember:

Charity statement

On all printed materials you must state that ‘Friendship Works is a registered Charity No. 1017460’.

Raffles and lotteries

Most raffles and lotteries need a licence from the local authority or metropolitan borough. Contact them for details of how to obtain a licence and any regulations that may affect you. You can also check with the Gambling Commission to see whether you need a licence.

Collections

Friendship Works can provide you with collection tins for your event.

It is legal to collect sponsor money from friends and colleagues. For other house or public collections you will usually need a licence form the local authority or metropolitan borough, or from the police or the Common Council of the City of London if it’s being held in London. All collectors must be 16 years or older and wear official Friendship Works identification badges.

You need to have the owners' permission (and forward it to Friendship Works) before collecting in a shop, sports centre or public place.

Alcohol

If you want to sell alcohol at an event where there is not already a licence, you will need a temporary licence. Contact your local council for more information.

Music and dancing

An event that involves music and dancing does not need a licence if it is a private event which has invitations, whether verbal or written. You can charge for a private event.

If the event is public then you need to apply for a licence to the local authority or metropolitan borough.

Safety and security

Your local council will be able to advise you on the Health & Safety legislation you need to comply with, or give the Health and Safety Executive a call on 0845 345 0055.

Make sure everything at your event is secure (including collection cans) and someone is responsible for them at all times.

Make sure adequate cover is available for larger events. You can contact various providers to arrange this:

  • St John’s Ambulance
  • The British Red Cross
  • The National Association of Private Ambulance Services

Food

Visit www.food.gov.uk or contact your local council to check current food hygiene rules.

Insurance and liability

You should make sure that any venue or equipment you are hiring has insurance cover. If you are running an event to which the public has access, it is important to take out public liability insurance. If you are holding an event that is dependent on the weather, it may be worth considering insuring against bad weather.