In case you’ve missed it, here’s what the policy and influencing team has been up to over the past month, plus events and news to be aware of.
By Shareen Patel, policy and influencing officer at ACEVO.
A narrated version of this blog is available at the bottom of the page
Charity campaigning
The Charity Commission and the Electoral Commission have published a joint blog for charities engaging in public debate. The blog highlights that the law is clear about the right of charities to campaign – charities can take part in political activity provided it supports purpose and is in the best interests, but it can’t become the sole reason for a charity’s existence and charities must remain independent. ACEVO is in discussions with the Charity Commission to clarify the regulatory basis for the section of the blog that refers to ‘a better kind of discourse’ and ‘tone’.
As of 1 December, the Electoral Commission Non-Party Campaigner Code is now in effect following parliamentary approval. Electoral law requires charities to register as non-party campaigners (NPCs) if they spend over a certain amount on regulated campaign activities in the 12 months leading up to the next election. If an activity can reasonably be regarded as intended to influence people’s voting choice, it is regulated. Charities will be required to register with the Electoral Commission as non-party campaigners if it spends over £10,000 (previously, this was over £20,000 in England), on regulated campaign activities, across the United Kingdom. The law now also requires an imprint to be included on digital material that falls within the definition of regulated campaign activities. The Electoral Commission also provides guidance on digital imprints. We are currently working on updating our resources for members which we will share in due course.
Sector manifesto
As part of our work to develop a sector manifesto with NCVO, we’re holding an online ACEVO member-only event on Tuesday 30 January 2024 11:00-12:30 to review the input gathered to date and contribute your views to the final review. The draft manifesto will be circulated in advance of the session, giving attendees good time to reflect and gather thoughts on each of the five themes identified from work undertaken earlier in the year. Sign-up to book your place now!
Home Truths 2
We published the first major output of the Home Truths 2 programme – Warm Words, Cold Comfort: UK civil society’s ongoing racism problem, which is based on a survey of black and minoritised ethnic people working in civil society. Trigger warning: the report contains discussions about people’s experiences of racism, and signposting has been provided to support organisations within the report. It reveals some alarming realities: 77% of survey respondents have experienced or witnessed racism within civil society over the last five years, 59% doubt the commitment of civil society leaders to combat racism effectively and 68% have felt the need to ‘tone down’ their behaviour or to be on their ‘best behaviour’ to fit into mainstream civil society. But there is also hope, with
65% of respondents hopeful that progress will be made on anti-racism/race equity in the organisation in which they work. Find out more about Home Truths 2, the report and our next steps to support leaders take practical, tangible action over the next eighteen months.
Autumn statement
On 22 November, the Chancellor presented the Autumn Statement in Parliament. We published a blog sharing our thoughts. Prior to the Statement, ACEVO alongside other members of the Civil Society Group made a joint submission to the Chancellor, urging him to do more to support the charity and voluntary sector so it can continue providing their vital work to ensure individuals and communities get the support they need. Alongside many others, we were disappointed that only one of our joint asks was addressed (expanding the VAT relief available for energy-saving materials to include buildings used solely for a relevant charitable purpose).
DCMS Energy Efficiency Fund
The £25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme (VCSE EES) is now open for applications for independent energy assessments. The scheme will help identify energy-saving opportunities in your building. From January, it will also be offering capital grants to implement measures recommended in your assessment. Applicant organisations must be a VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) based in England and delivering frontline services. They must be able to demonstrate that they are financially sustainable, require support around energy and are not suitable for blended finance or loan support through other schemes.
Investing charity money: a guide for trustees (CC14 guidance)
ACEVO partner Sarasin & Partners has prepared a briefing for our members explaining trustees’ responsibilities in light of the revised CC14 guidance. It remains the go-to tool for trustees seeking a broad understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Armed with the checklist provided in this briefing, if you are a trustee, you should hopefully feel better equipped to ensure your charity’s investments remain fit for purpose.
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill has returned to the House of Commons. Concerns have been raised about new rules around auto-renewing subscriptions and Gift Aid and the potential implications for charities. NCVO and other representative bodies are in discussion with officials and parliamentarians to influence the passage of the Bill and table amendments. If you have any queries on this, please get in touch with me at shareen.patel@acevo.org.uk.
On the horizon
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) is due to come into force in 2024. It aims to provide greater transparency about the influence of foreign powers in UK political life. The political influence tier of the scheme means organisations or individuals must register with the government if their funding arrangements involve them being directed by a foreign power to carry out advocacy or campaigning activities in the UK. Our friends at Bond have written this insightful blog to enable organisations to understand the FIRS guidance.
The policy and influencing team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at policy@acevo.org.uk or with me directly.
