Mounting a campaign

There is a commonly held view that registered charities are prohibited from campaigning and political activities. This is in fact not the case provided that the charity is campaigning in the furtherance of its charitable objectives, is empowered to undertake the proposed activity by its constitution and works within Charity Commission guidelines.

It should be noted however that charities cannot engage in any form of party political activity. Before embarking on any campaigning activity, registered charities should have the approval of their trustees, which should be formally minuted. Registered charities should also consult the Charity Commission publication CC9 Campaigning and Political Activities by Charities which gives further guidance. It should be noted that special regulations apply to what could be deemed as political activity during an election period.

• First stages: unpicking the decision
• Second stages: making the case
• Third stages: building the campaign