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Staying Compliant with the Fundraising Code (November 2025 Update)

This article explains how the Code is changing when it comes to using contactless devices and what means for Donation Station users and how we support you in staying compliant.

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⤵️What’s changing in Section 7.5?
⤵️Displaying charity information before donation (7.5.1)
⤵️Processing fee transparency (7.5.2)
⤵️When you need a site agreement (7.5.3)
⤵️What does not apply to Donation Station
⤵️What you need to do
⤵️Our commitment

From 1 November 2025, the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice introduces updated rules for “Convenience Giving and Unstaffed Collections” (Section 7.5).

These rules cover methods such as contactless donations, charity collection bins, and retail “round-up” giving.

As device owners or renters, a charity and it's trustees are obliged to ensure compliance. But we are here to help.

🔶What’s changing in Section 7.5?

The updated Code requires that all “convenience giving” methods must:

  1. Clearly display the charity’s name, registration number, and contact details (7.5.1).

  2. Make donors aware of any processing fees paid to a fundraising partner before a donation is completed (7.5.2).

  3. Have a written agreement in place if devices are placed on third-party premises (7.5.3).

  4. Ensure donor consent for retail “round-up” donations (7.5.5).

  5. Comply with additional rules for text giving and charity bags (7.5.4, 7.5.6).

Read the Code in full on the Fundraising Regulator website


🔶How the Donation Station supports compliance

🔸Displaying charity information before donation (7.5.1)

For Pro Devices: Your Donation Station can display your charity’s name, registration number, and contact details clearly before a donation is confirmed.

This mock-up shows how we can add necessary details to your on-screen donor journey.

Charity-Details-Mockup-Bezel

Alternatively, these details can be added to printed branding panels on the device.
If you already have panels installed, a reprint may be required. We can advise on options.

For Lite Devices:  our handheld devices do not use customer on-screen journeys, so charity details cannot be displayed on the device itself.

Express: the Code requirement can be met by showing these details on the Express enclosures which can be branded with details needed.
ℹ️We can supply a reprint to stick onto an existing enclosure for compliance.

Pocket: as this is an attended or staffed device, the code does not apply
.

 

Note for corporate fundraising: If you are collecting donations on behalf of a charity, you must also display the name and contact details of your organisation and make clear how you are paid for fundraising, alongside the charity’s details

 

🔸Processing fee transparency (7.5.2)

The updated Code requires charities to disclose any fees paid to a fundraising partner for processing donations. This does not apply to card transaction costs like those charged by GWD.

This means you do not need to add any extra disclosure about GWD’s 1.99% + 5p fee in order to comply with 7.5.2.

However, some charities choose to be extra transparent with donors by enabling the Cover Fees feature.

Cover Fees Feature

The Cover Fees option lets donors see that a small cost is involved in processing their donation. They can then choose to add a little extra so your charity still receives the full intended amount.

This feature is not required for compliance with the Fundraising Code, but many charities enable it because:

  • It demonstrates transparency and builds donor confidence.

  • It often boosts net income, as many donors are happy to cover the cost.

  • It helps explain why the “We get £X” message may show slightly less than the amount chosen.

If you prefer not to enable Cover Fees, your fundraising remains fully compliant with the Code.

Cover-Fees-Mockup

 

 

🔶When you need a site agreement (7.5.3)

Most Donation Stations are placed in charity-owned premises (e.g. churches, charity-run museums). In these cases, you do not need a separate site agreement.

However, if your devices are placed in a third-party venue (for example: a retail shop, supermarket, local authority museum, corporate office, or transport hub), the Code requires a written agreement with the site owner.

 

 

🔶What does not apply to Donation Station?

The following rules in Section 7.5 are not relevant to Donation Stations:

  • Text giving (7.5.4) – not supported by Donation Station.

  • Round-up donations (7.5.5) – not supported by Donation Station.

  • Charity bag collections (7.5.6) – not supported by Donation Station.

 

🔶What you need to do

Check your device setup – make sure your charity details and contact info are displayed. 

  • Update the screen journey with charity details - send us your details and we can update your devices
  • Consider asking Donors to cover fees – to help boost income and further optional extra transparency
  • Consider updating your Express enclosure branding - to display your charity details

Review your site placement – if your device is hosted in a third-party venue, use a site agreement.


 

🔶Our commitment

We want you to feel confident that your Donation Station is a safe, compliant, and trusted way to fundraise.

If you need help updating your device journey, enabling Cover Fees, or setting up alternative disclosure, please contact us at support@gwd.team.

N.B. Information correct as of 30th September 2025. Fees charged are subject to change. Code of Fundraising references originate from published data at same date. The above does not constitute legal advice, for any queries on compliance we recommend contacting the Fundraising Regulator directly.