Can we engage with political parties and politicians?

Local, regional and national politicians are often supporters of, and advocates for charities. All charities must be, and be seen to be, independent of, party politics. This applies to political parties and politicians anywhere in the world. Any activity that a charity carries out must be in support of its charitable purposes.

Charities must be especially alert during election periods to ensure that support for particular parties or candidates cannot be inferred from association with them. Trustees should be aware of any conditions attached to a politician’s support, for example being photographed for campaign leaflets or having election material displayed on the premises.

Raising political awareness and encouraging debate can be important ways of helping a charity to advance its purposes. If you are organising hustings the general rule is to invite all the candidates unless there is a clear and objective reason not to. The Electoral Commission guidance on hustings sets out more points to consider.

Encouraging people to register and assisting their ability to vote can also be legitimate ways for charities to advance democracy and civic responsibility. But you must avoid influencing voters over how to use their vote in ways that might suggest political bias.

Some charity trustees are also politicians and they should also read our guidance Who’s in charge – Control and independence in Scottish charities.