Our face to face charity fundraising

This is a great way for us to engage with people. It is also a cost-effective way for us to generate reliable income, with every penny donated going to Worldwide Cancer Research and helping to fund more new potential cures for cancer.

With safety as a priority, we are fundraising in communities across the UK.

You may see some of our friendly fundraisers in Worldwide Cancer Research branded clothing and lanyards in your area. They are trained in Covid-19 precautions and will be taking the utmost care to keep you safe while they visit your area.

Get in touch with us if you have any concerns (details at the foot of the page).

Why do we fundraise face-to-face?

Face-to-face fundraising is an effective way of us securing the donations we need to fund as many new potential cures for cancer. We ask supporters to sign up to a direct debit, a convenient method of donating which provides a predictable long-term income we can rely on.

Our fundraisers also play an important role in raising awareness about the vital discovery research which our generous supporters fund. This research holds the key to starting new cancer cures that will help save the lives of generations to come.

When are door to door fundraisers allowed to knock on doors?

The Code of Fundraising Practice permits door-to-door fundraisers to work between 9am (10am on Sundays) and 9pm seven days a week.

However, we choose to operate between 9am and 8:30pm Monday – Friday and between 9am and 5.30pm on Saturdays. We call between these times, so we have the best chance of reaching more people, for example those who work during the day.

Please note, fundraisers are permitted to approach homes between 8.30pm and 9pm if they have a prior appointment agreed with the occupant.

Our agencies also advise that fundraisers take extra care when visiting households during the longer winter evenings, especially when in isolated areas, to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety to the residents. Each fundraiser will wear an ID badge with a freephone number on should you wish to check the legitimacy of the fundraiser.

If you'd like to know where the fundraisers are currently operating you can email our supporter care team via [email protected]. 

How will I know they are a genuine Worldwide Cancer Research fundraiser?

We work with specialist agencies that help us co-ordinate and carry out our campaigns. Current agencies are Smile Fundraising and Appco .

You can check the validity of fundraisers in the following ways:

• All fundraisers have an ID badge, their name and photo, reference number and our registered charity number
• All fundraisers carry Worldwide Cancer Research materials including a welcome pack, and thank you for listening card with our Supporter Services number
• Fundraisers will also be wearing branded Worldwide Cancer Research clothing such as jackets in colder weather and t-shirts when it is warmer
• All donations are given through direct debit and our fundraisers will not ask for, and cannot accept, cash
• All fundraisers will be using tablets and will never ask a member of the public to write any details on a paper form

Are your fundraisers trained?

Yes, all our fundraisers are fully trained by the agencies they work for in compliance, vulnerability policies and the Code of Fundraising Practice.

We also provide refresher training on a regular basis, and mystery shop them to ensure they are following our agreed standards.

How old do I need to be to sign-up to a direct debit?

You need to be aged 18 or older.

Will your fundraisers ever ask for cash donations?

No. Our fundraisers are not allowed to take cash from you. They're only permitted to ask for regular donations through a direct debit. They also won't take one-off donations. There is now an option to sign up via contactless methods either using a QR code or SMS. This will take you to our website where you can enter direct debit details and confirm the signup.

Who regulates face-to-face fundraising?

The Fundraising Regulator is an independent regulator and the governing body for fundraising in the charity sector. All face-to-face fundraising is subject to the Code of Fundraising Practice established by the Fundraising Regulator.

The Scottish Fundraising Adjudication Panel is responsible for ensuring charities registered in Scotland are following the Code of Fundraising Practice, and works with charities to minimise complaints and ensure high standards of fundraising are adhered to.

Find out more about the Scottish Fundraising Adjudication Panel.

What measures are you taking to ensure the safety of fundraisers and the public?

We've taken the decision to carry out this activity in line with Government guidance and have taken the additional steps below to ensure all necessary precautions are in place to mitigate risk. Currently, due to COVID-19, we are ensuring we do not fundraise in areas with a large elderly population or locations where social distancing cannot be maintained e.g. flats with narrow walkways. This will reduce any risk to both the residents and the fundraisers.

• Fundraisers are required to pass updated health and safety training which takes guidance from Government, Institute of Fundraising, and Fundraising Regulator advice
• Contactless sign-up options - supporters will be offered the choice of scanning a QR code, receiving a link via SMS or signing up using our fundraisers' iPads, which are cleaned before and after every interaction
• Fundraisers are required to complete daily self-assessments before starting work
• Providing our fundraisers with hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes, gloves and visors/facemasks
• All our fundraisers will ensure that they stand 2 metres back from the door - no less than 1 metre if full social distancing is not possible

If you need to contact us about our representatives

We’re always delighted to hear your feedback, and in the event of a problem, can put things right more quickly if you contact us directly.

Our supporter care team can be reached on 0300 777 7910 or [email protected]. We work between 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday.