Charities can campaign on ‘issues that provoke strong emotions’ – watchdog

The RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight, apologised after ministers were called ‘liars’ on social media. Photograph: Ben Andrew

Charities should not hold back from engaging in political activity and on emotive issues on social media such as race or immigration, even where they risk triggering controversy, the voluntary sector watchdog has said.

Guidance to be issued by the Charity Commission this week makes it clear charities are entitled to campaign robustly online in support of their mission and beneficiaries. To do so they must have the backing of their trustee boards, keep within the law, and act with “respect and tolerance.”