Key offences

Terrorist offences that may affect charities and voluntary organisations

It’s an offence to be a member of, invite support for, or arrange a meeting for a ‘proscribed organisation’. A proscribed organisation is an organisation that the Home Secretary believes is concerned in terrorism (as defined by the Terrorism Act 2000).

Proscribed organisations or their members may operate in places where charities work or fundraise, and may seek to abuse and take advantage of charities and their work. Trustees may commit a criminal offence if their charity is connected to, or supports, a proscribed organisation.

Reference: Sections 11-12, Terrorism Act 2000

It’s an offence to:

• raise, receive or provide funds for the purposes of terrorism
• hold or use funds for the purposes of terrorism
• help make funds available for the purposes of terrorism
• facilitate the laundering of terrorist money.

A person is guilty of this offence if they ‘know’, ‘intend’ or have ‘reasonable cause to suspect’ that funds may be used for the purposes of terrorism.

Reference: Sections 15–18 of the Terrorism Act 2000

It’s an offence to make a statement or disseminate a publication encouraging terrorism – even if the recipient doesn’t understand that they’re being encouraged to engage in terrorism (for example because they’re a child or adult at risk). A terrorist publication is one which would encourage or could be useful to a person in the commission or preparation of acts of terror.

Reference: Sections 1 and 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006, as amended by the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019

It’s an offence to provide or receive instruction or training for terrorism.

Reference: Section 6 of the Terrorism Act 2006