With a new Labour government in power, the political landscape is shifting. Our Head of Policy and Public Affairs offers strategic advice for trustees on how to influence policy effectively and protect your charity’s voice.
A new Labour government took office almost a year ago. It came in with a large majority and a message of renewal. But wider trust in public institutions remains low and the political landscape continues to evolve.
In this climate, charity trustees have a vital role to play.
Boards must help their organisations speak out clearly and purposefully. That means supporting strategic influencing, speaking truth to power and staying true to your mission, even when the political context is uncertain or difficult.
Labour has signalled a more collaborative approach with the voluntary sector. One of its first actions was to announce plans to develop the Civil Society Covenant, a proposed agreement to support a stronger relationship between government and charities. A draft is expected this summer.
We hope the Covenant will set expectations for trust, respect and accountability and reinforce that charities have a right to challenge as well as to collaborate. If used well, it could help safeguard your charity’s voice in public life.
But trustees must be realistic. Labour wants visible reform but under tight financial constraints. It expects delivery at pace with limited new spending.
This creates both opportunities and risks for the sector.
The political environment is shifting in ways that go beyond the new Labour government. Public support is increasingly fragmented, and debate about the UK moving away from a two-party system is growing.
For trustees, this can make it harder to know who to influence, and how.
At the same time, the Conservative Party faces internal divisions and low public trust. While Labour holds power, the wider political landscape remains unsettled.
Trustees also need to be aware of the narrowing of civic space. Even without changes to legislation, charities may find their role questioned or challenged.
It is essential to stay vigilant and prepared to defend your charity’s right to speak out.
Power is increasingly devolved. Mayors, combined authorities, and systems like Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are shaping public services and policy. Labour has emphasised the importance of local “place,” which makes local relationships more important than ever.
Trustees should ask:
This is important for small charities, which may be most vulnerable to changes in local authority funding.
Boards have a key role in helping their organisations influence effectively. In a political climate where every word is scrutinised, strong governance gives staff the backing they need to speak up.
Good boards provide:
Trustees must also understand the risks. The legal framework for charity campaigning remains unchanged, and the Charity Commission continues to confirm it is legitimate.
Public perception can be challenging. This is especially true online.
Boards must strike a balance. Too much caution can lead to silence, while poor judgement can cause harm. Trustees should lead with confidence and care, grounding all advocacy in their organisation’s purpose.
When guiding your boards approach to fundraising, consider:
We are in a period of political change. Many people are uncertain about what comes next, but tired of the status quo. This creates both risk and opportunity.
Trustees must support their organisations to act with purpose, integrity and courage. Civil society’s voice matters and must not be drowned out.
Charity advocacy is political, but not party political. It is about power and the changes we want to see in line with our charitable purpose. In a moment like this, that work cannot wait.