Tim Lilley

In 1982, Tim Lilley set up our independent agency, working at first to find loyal supporters for Friends of the Earth in a way which he felt was ethical, sustainable and, above all, human. His direct approach ("why not just ask?") has been honed for twenty five years, and has come to be recognised as the most reliable and cost effective way to bring the benefits of long term donation to some of our most deserving charities and NGOs.

We remain a small, friendly organisation, much sought after by well known charities, greatly valued by our smaller clients. Unlike more sales-oriented organisations, we are not greedy, pushy, driven by 'targets'. Rather, we work responsibly to keep fundraising simple and honest. We place tremendous emphasis on the welfare and personal development of all our staff with ongoing training and support, regular reviews and a minimum of seven weeks' holiday per year.

We will try always to place you with a single charity of your choice, and encourage you to form strong links with that organisation. We provide extensive training and support to ensure that members of the public meet people who are well-informed, sincere, sensitive and friendly. Our relaxed, non-pressurised approach gives people the space and time they need to take a considered decision, and leaves them positive about the experience, even when they do not subscribe.

Basic training covers six weeks. There are three training days in the first week and two in the second, as well as fundraising from day 1, and two visits from your manager. Thereafter, ongoing group support/training is once a week for as long as you remain with us.

Like the work, our training is differentiated, and focused on the needs of the individual. We cover all legal requirements for fundraising, and explore the four main stages:

1. Making and sustaining contact with people;
2. Establishing Interest;
3. Dealing with concerns, queries, doubts;
4. Reaching a final decision - Asking.

You will meet your own charity regularly for training and feedback, and they will keep you abreast of many other events and issues.

Your manager will also be there to support you by:

1. Counselling you - away from your training group, when needed;
2. Providing telephone support at any time;
3. Visiting you from time to time at work.

Fundraisers who show the necessary aptitudes will have opportunities to progress into management. All the senior management team at Tim Lilley Fundraising have carried out successful appeals themselves on behalf of one or more of our clients.

Our three current managers are highly experienced in providing differentiated training, adapted to the needs of each fundraiser. We offer each employee the greatest possible opportunity to succeed: not only the ability to raise significant income for their chosen charity; but also to develop as confident, successful human beings, capable of achieving their aims in life in ways that engage and include others - rather than merely compete.