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Unaddressed mail
Best practice
Charities have relatively little control over the distribution of an unaddressed mailing – they can specify what postal areas it is going to, but can’t ensure that certain individuals do or don’t receive it.
So people who already give to the charity may receive a copy, as may people who have asked not to hear from the charity.
So people who already give to the charity may receive a copy, as may people who have asked not to hear from the charity.
The content of unaddressed mailings is regulated just like addressed mail –charities should adhere to best practices laid down by the Advertising Standards Authority, the Direct Marketing Association and the Institute of Fundraising.
Why can’t charities avoid sending unaddressed mail to existing supporters?
Unaddressed mail is distributed by postal area (i.e. to areas that cover several thousand addresses). The Royal Mail, and the other companies that deliver unaddressed mail, don’t offer any facility to include or avoid particular addresses.
If you should receive an unaddressed mailing from a charity you already support, you might want to take the opportunity to pass it on to a friend or neighbour who might be interested.
If you are unhappy with the content of unaddressed mail you have received, first contact the charity that sent it to express your view.
If you are not happy with the response you receive you could also raise the issue with the Advertising Standards Authority.
