Election postscript: time to register?

• Potential pitfalls for charities.
• Electoral law and the purpose test.

With the most recent national election now behind us, it’s important that charity trustees understand their responsibilities when it comes to campaigning ahead of elections and referendums.

It’s perfectly acceptable for charities to speak up for the causes they support. However, what is not acceptable is appearing to take a political position on either side. Charities must be, and be seen to be, independent from party politics.

In this article we take a look at the key points of both charity law and electoral law that charities should be aware of

Charity law

Generally, charities must not support any one political party. They can support policies which contribute to the delivery of their own charitable purposes provided that their independence is maintained. During an election period, the need for impartiality and balance is intensified, and charities must take extra care when undertaking activities in the political arena.

Potential pitfalls

Charities