BBE highlights how new Code of Fundraising Practice can help bands

In November 2025, an updated Code of Fundraising Practice was launched for all charitable fundraising in the UK. This includes activity by charities, community groups and volunteer-led organisations. If your band raises money through concerts, raffles, online giving, grant applications, sponsorship, or selling merchandise, the Code applies to you.

To help bands understand what’s changing and how to stay compliant, we've published a new member resource: The New Code of Fundraising Practice – What Brass Bands Need to Know.

What is the Code?

The Code of Fundraising Practice, produced by the Fundraising Regulator, sets out the standards for fundraising in the UK. The code is built on four core principles to ensure that fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.

Here to help

The 2025 update is around 45% shorter than the previous version, making it easier to digest and put into practice.

The new, more flexible approach focuses on values-based decision-making rather than rigid rules, helping organisations of all sizes – including brass bands – to raise funds confidently and responsibly.

Beth Lambert, our Fundraising Services and Development Manager, said: “These changes are a good thing for bands and make the Code a good practical guide to give you confidence in your fundraising, rather than another piece of charity red tape.

The new Code will inform band committees to allow them to make fundraising safe, respectful and transparent. For most bands, it’s about being organised, honest and supportive of your volunteers. Getting it right helps build public trust – and ultimately makes your fundraising more effective.”

What’s new?

The updated Code is shorter, clearer and easier to navigate, and more focused on good fundraising principles. It also includes new guidance on:

• Donor and volunteer protection
• Working with third parties
• Good record-keeping and transparency

Practical support for BBE members

BBE member bands can access tailored guidance and resources, including:

• A free one-to-one consultation with BBE’s Fundraising Services and Development Manager, Beth Lambert.
• Policy templates and resources available in the BBE Member Resources Library.

To learn more and download the full guide, visit the Member Resources library.