Speaking Out'' on CC9 2008 - Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities

Campaigning and Political Activities by CharitiesCampaigning work by charities is regulated by the Charity Commission, under 'CC9'. This guidance explains the nature and extent of campaigning that is permissible under charity law. CC9 sets out the factors that charity trustees should take into account when they consider the nature and extent of campaigning activities that their organisation can undertake.

SMK conducted a survey in partnership with People and Planet and NFP Synergy in order to gauge the reactions of the wider voluntary sector to CC9.

The key findings from the survey showed:

• there were wide variations in charities understanding of the degree of campaigning that is permissible within the law (termed as the 'ancillary provision')
• the majority of charities surveyed said the guidance had made no difference to their work

The Foundation advocates that campaigning should be actively encouraged, acknowledging that campaigning has been a central activity since the days of the earliest charities. Charities deliver change through advocacy and campaigning and the provision of direct services.

Q&A published

In response to feedback from SMK and People & Planet, on 3 April 2008 the Charity Commission published, 'Speaking Out', a question and answer document which helps to clarify questions charities have about their campaigning and political activities.

The Commission advises charities on how they can follow the example of successful campaigns like the Make Poverty History coalition and the RSPCA's controversial campaign on fox hunting and use their unique position in society to fight for change.

Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission commented:

"Campaigning, advocacy and political activities can all be legitimate and valuable activities for charities to undertake. In fact the strong links charities have into their local communities, the high levels of public trust and confidence they command, and the diversity of causes they represent, mean that charities are often uniquely placed to campaign and advocate on behalf of their beneficiaries. "