Charity campaigning

The Charity Commission has published its much anticipated guidance, Speaking Out - Guidance on Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities (CC9). It is clearer and more accessible than the previous guidance, taking a more positive stance which will help charity trustees to work out the best way of getting their message across confidently. Whilst there has been no change in the law on campaigning and political activity, it clarifies:

• That under the law campaigning and political activity are entirely legitimate activities for charities, but trustees are under no obligation to engage in such activity.
• The distinction the law makes between campaigning and political activity, explaining that unlike other forms of campaigning, political activity cannot be the continuing and sole activity of a charity, and can only be undertaken in the context of supporting the delivery of charitable purposes.
• The importance of charities' independence when working with politicians and political parties, emphasising trustees' duty to guard the independence of their charity and advising them on how to manage potential risks to their reputation when working with political parties and their representatives.