This section is intended as an at-a-glance guide only. You should always read the full guidance provided by the Charity Commission. All information below is drawn from the Charity Commission guidance.

Charities are free to campaign on any issue that supports their charitable purposes. However, the Charity Commission stresses that extra care must be taken to remain independent and avoid appearing politically biased, particularly in the run‑up to an election. During this period, charities are more likely to face scrutiny and questions about potential bias.

POLICIES

It is fine for charities to campaign for a specific policy or manifesto commitment in line with the charitable aims. Political parties may endorse a similar policy or even endorse your asks directly. You may continue to advocate for this policy but you must retain your independence and not directly support a party, even if you support the same policy goals.

CANDIDATES AND PARTIES

You must not appear to be biased when engaging with political parties or candidates. This means you should not do anything that appears to show favour to any candidate. This includes influencing voters to support any party or candidate, even if their policy commitments align with your charitable goals.

You must never donate money to a political party or a candidate. It is good practice to try your best to engage equally with all major parties, particularly in the run-up to an election. This is not to say you cannot meet with candidates or elected members from a political party. Doing so in support of your charitable aims is allowed, but you should not appear to show bias.

CAMPAIGNING AND SPENDING

During the regulated period, which runs from 7 January 2026 until polling day, you must take special care around your campaigning. You may face greater scrutiny during this period. Additionally, some activities you may undertake while campaigning may require you to register as a non-party campaigner. This will happen if your activity passes the ‘purpose test’ and is seen as deliberately trying to influence voters to support one party or candidate or another. If you adhere to the Electoral Commission guidance on campaigning, you are unlikely to need to register. However, if you do need to register, you will have a limit of £10,000 on your spending.

GUIDANCE

Charity commission

• Charity campaigning during Senedd and local elections
• Charities, Elections and Referendums guidance
• Political activity and campaigning by charities
• Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities

Electoral commission

• Non-party campaigners: Senedd elections

Charity campaigning and political activity

With the 2026 Senedd Election fast approaching, some charities will be thinking how best to campaign and advocate on behalf of their beneficiaries. While charities have the right to campaign, they must do so in accordance with charity law. The Charity Commission recently delivered a session about charity campaigning and political activity, on behalf of WCVA. The regulator spotlighted some of the key principles outlined in relevant Commission guidance, including the use of social media in the run up to an election.