Updated June 2026

This page explains what charities can and cannot do when engaging in political activity. It also outlines the extra care needed during election periods, when the risk of appearing to support a political party or candidate is higher. 

Charities must stay independent from political parties and candidates at all times. They can speak up on issues, but any political activity must directly support their charitable purposes and be in the charity’s best interests. Charities cannot exist to promote or support a political party or candidate. 

What your charity cannot do 

Charities can support specific policies that relate to their charitable purpose. For example, a soup kitchen may comment on a political party’s policy on homelessness.

However, a charity must not support or oppose a political party or candidate. This includes:

• making donations to a party or candidate

• endorsing a party or candidate on social media

• telling people to vote for, or against, a party or candidate

• sending volunteers, employees, or officers to help with campaigning

• inviting only one party to speak to charity supporters instead of a wide range.  

What your charity can do 

Charities can take part in public discussion on political issues by:

• encouraging people to participate in the voting process

• asking questions related to your charity’s purpose to a range of parties and publishing their answers

• hosting community meetings or debates that include candidates from different political parties

• publishing educational information about current election issues

• encouraging supporters to think about issues connected to the charity’s purpose when voting

• surveying communities on issues and sharing what you find.

Being transparent 

Officers should be open about any engagement the charity has with political parties or candidates.

Good practice includes:

• noting in your meeting minutes any interactions with political parties or candidates, and why the charity thought this would help its work

• adding any personal involvement someone has with a political party or candidate to an interest register. You can use this interest register template. 

Employees standing for election 

Employees who decide to stand for election should discuss the impact on their work. Officers must ensure no charitable resources support an employee’s candidacy or a political party.

More information