Consultation opens for charity sector’s first Digital Code of Practice.

Charities from across the UK have been invited to contribute to the UK’s first Charity Digital Code of Practice which is due to launch in November this year. The code, which will aim to help charities improve their digital skills and increase their take up of digital activity, is being funded by Lloyds Banking Group and the Co-op Foundation. It will be voluntary and free to access and the steering group is keen to hear from charities of all sizes as part of the consultation.

The Charity Digital Code of Practice will be relevant for all charities and it’s hoped will benefit those with limited capacity for digital engagement. It will include best practice guidelines as well as practical tips and advice and will aim to increase digital motivation and confidence in activities including fundraising and engaging with stakeholders.

Early user research and testing has been carried out in advance of the consultation with more than 30 organisations of all sizes across the country to help shape the initial draft and ensure that the voices of all kinds of charities are represented.

There are over 160,000 registered charities in the UK, 74% of which have an annual income under £100,000. Staff within the sector have acknowledged that these charities often fall behind when it comes to digital skills and this can have a detrimental effect on their ability to raise vital funds for their work. The Lloyds Bank UK Business Digital Index 2017 showed that only 48% of charities have full basic digital skills, and that the more digitally mature charities are twice as likely to see an increase in donations. A recent Co-op survey of local charities and community groups also found that one in four fear for their survival, with more than one in three (35%) believing they would benefit from a better online presence.

Independent digital expert and The Charity Digital Code of Practice steering group chair Zoe Amar said: “This is an exciting development for the charity sector. We often hear from small organisations which are worried about a lack of budget or skills to carry out digital activity. The new code will aim to increase the digital confidence of all charities and give practical advice about where they can make improvements in digital engagement with their beneficiaries and funders as well as increasing collaboration with other charities.”

The code will include best practice for large as well as smaller charities and will aim to boost the entire sector.

Jim Cooke, Head of the Co-op Foundation, said: “There is an opportunity for charities to make better use of digital media, not only in service provision, but to raise awareness and to help with fundraising. We’re excited about the impact this new code could have. By being able to connect better with online audiences, charities will be in a stronger position to serve their communities and secure their own futures. We look forward to hearing the views of the sector to help us create the ‘go to’ guide for charity digital support.”

Nick Williams, Managing Director of Commercial and Business Banking Transformation at Lloyds Banking Group added: “The charity sector has recognised a need for digital improvement and now is the time to come together and work towards a code which will benefit organisations throughout the country. We are delighted to play our part in this project and strongly encourage all charities to get involved in creating a resource which will make a positive and lasting difference to the impact of their work.”

The consultation will be open from 3 July to 25 September 2018. All charities are invited to visit http://www.charitydigitalcode.org/ to respond and contribute.

Join the conversation about the code by using the hashtag #CharityDigitalCode