Charities in a hostile environment

The work of charities has always spanned a wide spectrum of causes in its pursuit of change and social justice. The sector is therefore used to dealing with debate, scrutiny, and sometimes criticism. However, it is unprecedented that a regulator has felt the need to call out the troubling rise of hostility and threats that some charities have been facing recently. 

At the Charity Commission’s annual public meeting in December, Mark Simms, the then interim chair of the Commission, outlined his concerns over the escalating hostility facing those working and volunteering in the sector. The NCVO’s report on charities facing mission-limiting hostility, fear and intimidation published the same week, painted a picture of intimidation, abuse, threats of violence and damage to charity premises. 

In practical terms, the Commission has followed up by publishing new guidance for charities impacted by community disruption and violence, entitled How charities can respond to the current hostile environment. The guidance provides practical steps and reassurance on how to keep trustees, staff, and volunteers safe from harm. And the Commission’s regulatory support for “the ability and freedom of charities to pursue controversial charitable aims” was echoed by David Holdsworth, the Commission’s CEO, in a wide ranging kick-off speech to the new year reported in Civil Society in January. 

This week it is wonderful to see a  broad coalition of community and faith groups, as well as charities big and small - including NCVO, Hope not Hate, Crisis, and Save the Children – working together under the banner A Million Acts of Hope. The campaign aims to highlight everyday acts of kindness, such as volunteering and community activities to combat the ‘chilling effect’ of hostile narratives on civil society, during a national campaign from 13 to 20 May. 

Whilst it is deeply sad and concerning that some charities are having to deal with such extremes of hostility and threat, simply as a result of carrying out their charitable work, the responses of charities working together in collaboration and solidarity offers some hope.