Charity Commission guidance on campaigning

Some third sector registered charities have concerns about the extent of campaign work they can undertake, believing that the Charity Commission does not allow campaigning activities. The Charity Commission provide extremely full guidance on this issue in their document:

CC9 - Speaking Out - Guidance on Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities

It can be found on the Charity Commission website. You should check this if you are in any doubt, but in broad terms the Commission’s position is that campaigning and political activity (but not party political activity) is a legitimate and valuable part of the activities of a charity where it is undertaken to support the delivery of its charitable purpose. But it must not be the continuing or sole activity of the charity, nor must it become the reason for the charity’s existence. The Commission takes a positive view of campaign work in the context of the pursuit of charitable aims and its position can be summarised in this Commission statement,

"The experience of charities means that it is right that they should have a strong and assertive voice. Often they speak for those who are powerless, and cannot make their case themselves. Sometimes charities confront extreme social injustice, which they will want to tackle head-on. The work that charities do, and the major role they play in public life, is something they should be proud of."