Regulator finds Thanet-based veterans’ CIC We R Blighty breached numerous sections of fundraising code

A Thanet based CIC for veterans has been found to have breached fundraising practices, according to a report by the Fundraising Regulator.

We R Blighty was investigated by the watchdog following a number of complaints received between October 2023 and June 2024. The complaints, and information from the public, local authorities, and other organisations, all raised similar concerns, including whether the CIC had appropriate licences and permissions to carry out street fundraising, claims made by the CIC verbally and in its fundraising materials, and the behaviour of its fundraisers that was seen by donors to be unprofessional and aggressive.

The Regulator opened its investigation in July last year following a meeting with We R Blighty founder and director Ben Mills.

A statement from the Regulator says it asked for information, including details on fundraising materials and solicitation statements, fundraiser contracts and payment structures, and training.

The Regulator adds: “We also asked for information on licensing and permissions, communications with local authorities, fundraiser conduct, and its links with other organisations.

“The CIC responded to all our requests for information and repeated its position that legislation does not require it to have any licensing or permissions to fundraise in public. The CIC also explained that they had plans to begin selling a magazine.”

Complaints

During the investigation, the Regulator was contacted again by complainants and public bodies explaining the CIC was fundraising without permission.

Members of the public also reported fundraisers being aggressive and overly persistent.

The Regulator adds: “In October 2024, we were contacted by two separate public bodies that provided credible information that the CIC was regularly fundraising without local authority permission in Kent, and without permission from the Metropolitan Police across three sites in central London.”

Court hearing

In June this year We R Blighty (WRB)  directors pleaded guilty to multiple offences of collecting money and street trading in the City of London without the required licences.

At a hearing at City of London Magistrates’ Court directors Ben Mills and Danielle Vidler admitted to 14 offences each – eight under the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 (unlicensed street collections) and six under the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1987 (unlicensed street trading).

The court heard that WRB splits its takings 50/50 between the operators and veterans’ support. The company and its directors were fined a total of £1,792 and ordered to pay £1,700 in costs to the City Corporation.

Regulator’s decision

The Fundraising Regulator says in its decision: “Information from the CIC, complainants and various authorities have all clearly shown that the organisation has been fundraising in public without the correct permissions. While the CIC explained they believed such permissions were not required, the evidence available, including the City of London court action against the CIC, clearly shows this is not the case.”

The Regulator’s decision also finds: “It was more likely than not that donors could have been misled by confusing messaging or fundraising materials. This includes materials suggesting a link with a well-known national veterans’ charity, which the CIC has since confirmed it does not work with.

“We were also concerned about the costings in some of the fundraising materials that the CIC could not show good enough evidence for. There was also enough information available for us to conclude on balance that some fundraisers for the CIC acted in an aggressive and unprofessional way towards both potential donors and public officials.”

The Regulator adds: “There was not enough monitoring in place to make sure that fundraisers kept to the code, or procedures to review the arrangements in place to support compliance.”

Recommendations

Following the decision the Regulator made a number of recommendations including reviews of training materials, including standards of behaviour, monitoring fundraisers, creating a complaints policy, only fundraising when the necessary permissions are in place and : “If it decides it will not continue to fundraise, and only to sell newspapers or periodicals, we expect the CIC to cease public fundraising activities and make sure its vendors do not continue to ask for donations, unless it has obtained the necessary licences and permissions.”

The Regulator says We R Blighty accepted the findings and was taking steps to implement the recommendations.

Response

In a response statement We R Blighty says: “We R Blighty C.I.C. (WRB) acknowledges the findings of the Fundraising Regulator’s report and welcomes the opportunity to strengthen transparency and compliance across our operations. While the report identifies areas for improvement, it is important to note that the issues raised relate to historical fundraising activity that occurred before the organisation’s internal reforms in mid-2025.

Since that time, WRB has implemented clearer training standards, updated oversight procedures, and a renewed focus on ethical and transparent fundraising that aligns with both the Code of Fundraising Practice and the organisation’s values.”

The CIC denies aggressive behaviour was used, saying: “During the Fundraising Regulator’s investigation, no verifiable evidence was produced to substantiate claims of aggressive or unprofessional behaviour by We R Blighty’s representatives. At no point was any mystery shopper sent out, nor were any recorded observations.

“The organisation stands by the professionalism of its representatives and the integrity of its approach.”

Criticism

Facebook group The Walter Mitty Hunters Club – made up of mainly former veterans and dedicated to exposing false claims of military experience – has highlighted a number of concerns over the years about where We R Blighty funding goes, how it is raised, who benefits, what services are offered and claims of aggressive behaviour.

We R Blighty says the group’s claims are ‘misleading’ and ‘inaccurate.’

The most recent accounts for We R Blighty, up to September 2024, show a gross turnover of £264,362 with £182,387 listed as the cost of sales – leaving a £81,975 profit. According to the accounts this is reduced to £1,916 following tax and admin expenses.

We R Blighty’s registered office is at Kent Innovation Centre in Broadstairs.