How to navigate a general election

The run-up to the election is a critical time for many charities and not-for-profits. It’s a key time to talk about your causes, push them up agendas, and influence government policies. In short – it’s a chance to shape the future.

 

 

Can charities campaign during a general election year?

 

The simple answer is yes – but there are rules. In a joint statement, the Charity Commission and Electoral Commission state:  “Charities have a proud record of engaging in public debate and campaigning on behalf of their purposes which is entirely legitimate.”

 

They go on to say: “Charities can take part in political activity provided it supports their purpose and is in their best interests. However, political activity must not become the reason for a charity’s existence. Charities must also remain independent and must not give their support to a political party.”

 

 

Who is responsible for following the general election rules?

 

Trustees are responsible for making sure their charity follows the rules on political activity and campaigning. Even if campaigning activities are delegated to staff and volunteers, it’s still the trustees who are responsible.

 

 

Resources for general election campaigning

 

Here are key resources you might find helpful in understanding the rules that charities must follow, and when planning your campaigning action over the next few months.

 

If it seems complex, you might start out by reading our summary of Charity Commission rules and Electoral Commission rules. 

 

 

Charity Commission and electoral commission

 

Charity Commission: Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities and Charities, elections and referendums. These explain what charities need to consider when campaigning or engaging in political activity. The guidance applies to England and Wales.

 

Charity Commission: Political activity and campaigning by charities. This is a handy five-minute reminder guide for charity trustees. It explains the rules for charities that want to support, or oppose, a change in government policy or law, including how to work with MPs to do so.

 

Charity Commission: Charities and social media guidance. This guidance includes a section specifically on the use of social media for campaigning or political activity.

 

Electoral Commission: Non-party campaigner code of practice, Non-party campaigners: UK parliamentary general elections and Case studies. The new code came into effect on 01 December 2023, and requires that “charities register as non-party campaigners if they spend over a certain amount on regulated campaign activities in the 12 months leading up to the next election”. The code outlines which campaign activities are regulated and how much you are able to spend on this activity. There are four case studies to help assess your own charity’s campaign activities.  

 

Electoral Commission/Charity Commission: Blog from the chairs. The Charity Commission and Electoral Commission chairs summarise some of the key points of the code and explain why it’s important that charities understand it. The blog also highlights that the law now requires an imprint to be included on digital material that falls within the definition of regulated campaign activities. The imprint is to help give voters transparency about who is campaigning.

 

 

Other resources

 

Bates Wells/Sheila McKechnie Foundation: General election 2024: charity campaigning. Bates Wells is one of the only UK firms specialising in electoral law and it’s worked with Sheila McKechnie Foundation to create this guide. It explains how to use your charity’s voice effectively in the run-up to a general election and includes understanding the law, planning campaigns and campaigning techniques. It also helpfully describes any key terms you might not be familiar with.

 

Lloyds Bank Foundation: What to expect when you’re expecting a general election. This guide explains the importance of a general election for small and local charities, including some ideas on how to build relationships with, and get the most from, your prospective MPs. It also shares tips on how to support your service users to vote, and explains what your charity can and can’t do during elections.

 

Bond: Understanding electoral campaigning rules. This briefing paper sets out to explain how charities can continue to campaign ahead of an election, under charity and electoral law. While it’s tailored for Bond’s members (of organisations working in international development), it clearly outlines electoral law for charities, including how to decide if you need to register with the Electoral Commission.

 

Inclusion London: General election 2024 toolkit. While Inclusion London supports deaf and disabled organisations in London, its general election toolkit could be helpful for any charity looking to campaign. It includes an explanation of how general elections work, as well as practical ways to meet candidates and organise election hustings.