What we believe about campaigning

Campaigning is an activity that aims to create change. It brings energy and passion to public debates and ensures that a wider range of voices are heard – including the voices of the disadvantaged.

Government must recognise and encourage the right to campaign. We call on politicians of all parties to support campaigning and advocacy by individuals and organisations, and in particular to:

Respect the independence of voluntary organisations, including their right to campaign in support of their cause and in the interests of their beneficiaries – irrespective of any funding relationship.
Demonstrate their commitment to this by ensuring that the Charity Commission’s guidance on campaigning (CC9) is upheld and fully adhered to, by both charities and the Commission itself.
Facilitate lawful protest and peaceful assembly, including the right to protest around Parliament.

Sometimes these important rights to campaign can be overlooked, for example, in debates about the role of voluntary organisations in delivering public services. NCVO will continue to champion the voluntary sector's campaigning role.

The renewed Compact – the agreement between the government and the voluntary and community sector – notes that the government undertakes to respect and uphold voluntary organisations’ right to campaign.

Download our policy briefing on charities and campaigning (PDF, 79.4 KB).

Read Speaking out: Guidance on campaigning and political activity by charities (CC9) on the Charity Commission website.