In a rapidly changing political environment, staying informed about emerging trends, policies and sector developments is more important than ever. ACEVO’s policy updates explore the latest developments affecting the civil society sector, from governance and regulation to legislative changes that might impact charity leaders.
Engagement
Vicky Foxcroft meeting
Earlier this month, ACEVO’s chief executive Jane Ide and head of influencing Roberta Fusco met Minister Foxcroft. They discussed the pressures facing charity leaders, the vital role of infrastructure organisations and their funding models, and how these underpin the government’s ability to work with civil society to deliver its priorities.
Supporting charity leader wellbeing
The influencing team held its third meeting with the ACEVO member steering group on CEO wellbeing. The discussion focused on the pressures charity leaders face and what enables leaders themselves to work sustainably, manage the demands of the role and maintain their capacity to lead over the longer term.
ACEVO CEO speaks at Charity Commission annual public meeting
Jane Ide, ACEVO CEO, spoke at the Charity Commission’s annual public meeting on Thursday 15 October. Chair of the Commission, Dame Julia Unwin, highlighted the vital contribution charities make to society and the importance of sustaining a strong, independent charitable sector. Watch the meeting and read Jane’s comment issued after the event here.
ACEVO CEO speaks at Public Law Project annual conference
Jane Ide, ACEVO CEO, spoke on a panel around the shrinking civic space at Public Law Project’s annual conference earlier this month. The panel discussion reflected the legal and constitutional pressures in play, including proposed new powers for The Charity Commission, presumably introduced to tackle extremism but which many fear could limit charities’ ability to advocate effectively. The panellists questioned the effect this environment has on democracy and civic freedoms.
Wave 4 of ACEVO temperature check survey
Our latest member temperature check survey is now open, and we’d love to hear from you. Every few months, we ask ACEVO members to share their experiences, challenges and perspectives on the issues affecting them and their organisations. Your responses help us build a clearer picture of what’s happening across civil society, track how things are changing over time and ensure our work reflects the realities of charity leadership. The survey closes on Friday 6 November 5PM.
You can also read the findings from our previous surveys to see what fellow members have been telling us.
Political environment
Autumn Budget
The Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday 28 October. It comes only a little over three months after Chancellor John Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham took up their roles. The OBR’s new five-year forecast will be published on the day and will shape how much room for manoeuvre the Chancellor has. For charity leaders, we will be watching for any measures affecting employment costs, tax reliefs or giving. One change is already in place: from 1 October, charities already on the reduced 5% VAT rate for electricity through the existing certificate process have moved to 0%, though this is funded for six months only.
Burnham’s Labour Conference speech
Burnham’s first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister has reinforced this direction of travel, with a commitment to devolve more power to places and give local leaders greater control over housing, energy, transport and economic development.
He announced plans to adjust the State Pension Triple Lock from April 2030 to help fund a new National Care Service. The current system, which increases pensions by whichever is highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5%, will remain in place until 2030. Under the proposed changes, pensions would rise by at least inflation or 2.5%, with an additional link to earnings to ensure their value keeps pace over time. The government estimates the change could reduce state pension spending by £15bn a year by the end of the 2030s, with the savings used to help fund free personal care for older people based on need.
Amongst the announcements made, included were measures aimed at reducing household costs, including removing VAT from household electricity bills and capping single bus fares at £2 across England for 2027. Burnham also set out longer-term plans to reduce energy costs. The Prime Minister said the measures are intended to provide immediate “breathing space” whilst wider reforms to housing, energy and public services are developed.
Conservative Party Conference
At the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch set out her plan, The Right Way, and announced policies including halving employer National Insurance for 21–24-year-olds, which would matter to charity leaders that employ young people. She also pledged to abolish inheritance tax on family homes, which could have implications for legacy income, and to restore funded childcare and Tax-Free Childcare entitlement for every working parent who qualifies, which may be relevant to staff recruitment and retention. The wider announcements focused on defence and justice.
Prime Minister’s statement to the Commons
Prime Minister Andy Burnham gave a statement to the Commons after Parliament came back from recess on 12 October. The statement focused almost entirely on foreign and security policy following the UN General Assembly, with nothing on domestic policy. The main thing to keep an eye on for charity leaders is the UK-EU summit on 20 November, where the government is seeking a food and drink trade deal, emissions trading and energy linkage, a youth experience scheme and closer cooperation on immigration, which it estimates will be worth over £10bn a year by 2040. Elsewhere, the UK will put AI at the centre of its 2027 G20 presidency, aiming for global principles and standards.
Legislation and regulatory developments
Whistleblowing disclosures to the Charity Commission increases to record levels
The Charity Commission received a record 594 whistleblowing disclosures in 2025-26, an 8.8% increase on the previous year. Governance concerns remained the most common issue, while reports relating to financial harm and safeguarding reached record levels. Most disclosures (61%) came from current or former employees, and the Commission opened 465 compliance cases where disclosures identified a serious risk.
For charity leaders, the figures underline the importance of ensuring staff have clear and accessible routes to raise concerns, and that boards and senior leaders have appropriate oversight to ensure issues are taken seriously and potential risks are addressed.
Update to CC28 – what trustees need to know about disposing of charity land
The Charity Commission provided further updates earlier this month to CC28 to reflect the changes different types of leases in England and Wales, which have come in from the Renters’ Right Act that came into force earlier this year. The guidance is for trustees who want to sell, or otherwise dispose of, charity property. It explains when Charity Commission consent is needed and how to get it, the different considerations for sales, leases, and other types of disposal, and the requirements when taking out a mortgage.
Employment Rights Act
Several further measures under the Employment Rights Act 2025 take effect in October. From 1 October, the time limit for bringing most employment tribunal claims increased from three to six months. It applies where the relevant date is on or after 1 October. On 30 October, the duty to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment and the new employer liability for third-party harassment come into force. The government will also gain a power to set out specific steps employers must take. An updated Acas Code of Practice, expected on 30 October, sets out what counts as reasonable. The same date brings a new duty to tell workers of their right to join a trade union, and a new right for unions to access workplaces.
Charity leaders should check that their harassment policies and complaints procedures reflect these changes, including how they handle harassment by beneficiaries, funders and other third parties. The longer time limit also means organisations should keep relevant records for longer. As Acas early conciliation pauses the clock, the gap between an incident and a claim can run well beyond six months
Representation of the People Bill
The Representation of the People Bill has now had its second reading in the House of Lords and will move into the Committee stage from 2 November, where its provisions will be examined in detail. The Bill proposes a range of electoral reforms, including extending voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds, changes to voter registration and identification, and reforms to political finance and the Electoral Commission’s enforcement powers.
The ACEVO policy team take part in the Civil Society Voice group, working alongside others to discuss and advance the protection and championing of civic space and legitimate campaigning.
Consultations
Consultation on the extension of the Charity Commission’s powers to tackle extremism
DCMS has launched a consultation on extending the Charity Commission’s powers to tackle extremism and other abuse in the charity sector. The consultation focuses on strengthening the Commission’s powers to disqualify individuals from acting as a charity trustee or senior manager. It closes at 5pm on 23 December 2026. ACEVO will be submitting a response.
ACEVO will continue to represent members’ interests, engage with policymakers and share insights to help leaders navigate change.
We also want to hear from you. How are these developments affecting your organisation, and what issues would you like ACEVO to champion on behalf of charity leaders? Share your experiences with us at [email protected].