Concern on the streets: FAQs

How many Direct Dialogue fundraisers does Concern employ on the street?
The number of on-street fundraisers varies throughout the year. But on average there are about 50 fundraising staff working in towns throughout the UK and Ireland.

How do they get paid?
None of our on-street fundraisers receive performance-related pay, and there is no commission or bonus. All on-street fundraisers are paid a flat hourly rate of pay.

How much of my donation goes on their wages?
We don’t pay commission to our Direct Dialogue staff. Costs are strictly budgeted on an annual basis. In 2010, we spent 89.9% of income on relief and development work, 7.6% on fundraising (this includes on-street fundraising costs) 2% on development education and advocacy and 0.5% on governance. Click here to find out more.

How do I get a job as an on-street fundraiser?
If you’re interested in joining Concern's Direct Dialogue team, please see our jobs page.

How much personal information are fundraisers allowed to ask?
All Concern staff comply with Data Protection Act requirements and sign a confidentiality agreement with Concern. To set up a regular donation, we require valid names, contact details and bank information in order to identify the giver, and a signature to process the donation. The Direct Debit Guarantee applies to all agreements.

Concern's Direct Dialogue team does not request credit card details, only bank sort codes and account numbers. All the information filled in on the street is handled securely and confidentially. The option to phone people back to register incomplete details can be offered, but results in additional costs for us.

A confirmation letter is sent in advance of any payment, and regular givers have the opportunity to decide what sort of communication they would like to receive and the ability to opt out of communication if they so wish.

Is there a code of conduct?
All street fundraisers for Concern sign up to a strict code of conduct. Concern is a compliant member of the IFFDR in Ireland and the PFRA in the UK. Both of these organisations promote high standards in this method of fundraising and provide regulation by means of a Code of Practice for fundraisers. Concern also complies with the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising and the Fundraising Standards Board.

What if I have a comment or complaint?
Concern takes all comments from the public about our Direct Dialogue department very seriously. If you have a comment or complaint, please contact us.

Find out more about Concern's Direct Dialogue team.