Standing strong in difficult times – how charities can respond to hostility

At its heart, this guidance reminds trustees and charity leaders that lawful speech is part of a healthy democracy, and charities can speak up on issues that further their purpose. At the same time, trustees need to take practical steps to protect people, the charity and its work.

One of the key points in the guidance is that charities should be ready to respond to threats, abuse or intimidation if they arise. Some charities will already have plans in place, others may need to create one based on a risk assessment. The Charity Commission’s safeguarding guidance, particularly the section on how to handle and report incidents and concerns, is a good place to start. Trustees are encouraged to make sure their staff and volunteers know what to do if something goes wrong, and that existing policies are up to date.

When reviewing safety arrangements, you might ask:

• Are your buildings and entrances secure?
• Do you have clear procedures for how staff and visitors should act if something happens?
• Have you talked to local police or community safety teams about risks and support?

Trustees should make decisions that are proportionate to the actual risks your charity faces, and remember that being prepared can make a real difference. If a serious incident does occur, the guidance also explains when and how to report it to the Charity Commission.

The Commission’s guidance doesn’t stand alone. Charities are encouraged to draw on additional support from:

• safeguarding resources such as ProtectUK, which offers advice on physical and online security
• the National Business Crime Centre for help with safety during public events
• local resilience forums and voluntary sector networks that bring emergency services and community organisations together

These resources can help charities think through risks, build resilience and make sure staff and beneficiaries are safe if tensions rise.

A final important theme in the guidance is that criticism and challenge are part of public life. Trustees should not shy away from discussions related to their mission, as long as those conversations are lawful and focused on the issues, not on supporting or opposing political parties or individuals.

Charities engaging with the public, whether online or in person, should also be careful with information they share. Avoid spreading unverified content, especially on social media, and make risk-aware decisions when issues are emotive.

Responding well to a hostile environment isn’t about avoiding controversy altogether. It’s about:

• protecting people connected with your charity
• being prepared for risks and incidents
• making thoughtful decisions in line with your charity’s purpose
• using the right guidance and support networks when needed

For more details, read the Charity Commission’s full guidance on how charities can respond to the current hostile environment, and explore linked resources such as the Commission’s safeguarding guidance and decision-making guidance.

• Read the speech by the regulator’s interim Chair, Mark Simms OBE, at the Commission's Annual Public Meeting 2025 on “The bedrock of civic decency: charities in an age of hostility”