Political and issues-based campaigning as a charity: Governance FAQs

Campaigning is an important part of many charities’ activities – and it can help them to deliver on their charitable objects. However, campaigning activity also comes with certain legal and reputational risks. This guidance note, structured as an FAQs, will answer your questions about the regulatory requirements that charities need to fulfil in order to campaign responsibly.

Our guidance covers:

• The types of issues which charities can campaign on
• The differences between campaigning and political activity
• The impact of a general election
• The Charity Commission’s guidance on campaigning
• Precautions to take to avoid reputational or legal risk
• Regulated campaign activities and registering as a non-party campaigner
• The role of the Electoral Commission
• Using communications materials and social media responsibly
• Joint campaigns with other organisations

This guidance note is designed for trustees, governance professionals and employees working within charities which undertake campaigning activity.

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