# IoF to set up taskforce to tackle sexual harassment in fundraising

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/03/28/iof-to-set-up-taskforce-to-tackle-sexual-harassment-in-fundraising/
- Published: 2019-03-28T12:01:58+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The Institute of Fundraising has today (28 March) announced that it is setting
up a taskforce on sexual harassment in fundraising, following a discussion held 
yesterday by its Board of Trustees on the issue and the role it can play in dealing
with it.**

 

A [recent article](https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundraising/ruby-bayley-pratt-agent-provocateur.html)
by Ruby Bayley-Pratt, Fundraising Policy and Research Manager at the [British Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org.uk/)
in Fundraising magazine highlighted the prevalence of the issue in the sector, with
many fundraisers responding with their own experiences of sexual harassment. 

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https://twitter.com/RubyBayleyPratt/status/1110151078425870338

 

 

 

She has also spoken in a podcast with Mandy Johnson on the subject:

 

 

 

> I recently spoke to @RubyBayleyPratt, following the article that she wrote for
> [@CSFundraising](https://twitter.com/CSFundraising?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) about 
> the prevalence of sexual harassment of fundraisers. With Ruby's permission, I 
> recorded our conversation. You can listen to an edited version of it here:[https://t.co/9b7L1hHrPA](https://t.co/9b7L1hHrPA)
> — Mandy Johnson (she/her) 🌈 (@MsMandyJ) [March 28, 2019](https://twitter.com/MsMandyJ/status/1111170309154107392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 

 

 

Announcing the taskforce, Amanda Bringans, Chair of the [Institute of Fundraising](https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/home/),
said:

 

>   “There is no place for sexual or any other form of harassment within our fundraising
> community. We have been listening to the recent anonymous testimonials of sexual
> harassment in the fundraising sector collected by Ruby Bayley-Pratt.
>  “We want
> to actively encourage people to come forward and report complaints if they have
> experienced sexual harassment by a member of the Institute or at an Institute 
> event, no matter when that incident happened. Those incidents will be investigated
> fully, even if the person complained of resigns their membership of the Institute.“
> We expect our member organisations to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace,
> to create an environment for fundraisers to share their experiences and to protect
> those who are affected. Harassment will not be tolerated, no matter whether this
> comes from an employee, board member, a beneficiary or a charity’s most important
> donor. “We are setting up a Taskforce on Sexual Harassment in Fundraising led 
> by two of our trustees, Claire Rowney and Isobel Michael. They will be joined 
> by an HR and legal expert. This review will be used to inform a sector-wide approach
> to tackling sexual harassment in the fundraising community. “The Taskforce will
> also look at how we can strengthen the IoF’s Code of Conduct and existing complaints
> policy, to ensure they are fit for purpose and provide an open and safe space 
> for people to report complaints. “I am grateful to Ruby Bayley-Pratt for agreeing
> to join the taskforce. “Fundraising is a profession for everyone. We do brilliant
> things that raise vital funds for good causes. All this should be done in a safe
> and respectful environment. We will work to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour
> and ensure our fundraising community is a safe space for everyone.”

 

People can find out how report sexual harassment by a member of the Institute or
at an Institute event, no matter when that incident happened, through its [complaints policy](https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/library/disciplinary-and-complaints-flowchart-individual-members/).
It is also encouraging people to familiarise themselves with its [guidance on safeguarding and whistleblowing](https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/managing-fundraising/safeguarding-and-whistleblowing/)
and with their rights as fundraisers.

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