Campaigns and Political Activity Policy and Procedures
1. Introduction
Reuse Littleborough is a registered charity dedicated to promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and supporting community well-being through the reuse and recycling of goods. As a charity, we are permitted to undertake campaigning and political activity, provided it supports our charitable purposes and complies with the law and guidance from the Charity Commission.
This policy sets out the principles and procedures we will follow when engaging in campaigning or political activity to ensure our actions are appropriate, lawful, and in line with our charitable objectives.
2. Definitions
- Campaigning: Activities aimed at securing or opposing a change in policy, law, or practice (domestically or abroad), carried out as a way to further our charitable purposes.
- Political Activity: Activity that involves seeking to support or oppose a change in the law, policy, or decisions of governmental bodies or politicians.
- Party Political Activity: Any activity that involves supporting or opposing a political party or candidate for election.
3. Principles
- All campaigning and political activities must be in furtherance of Reuse Littleborough’s charitable purposes.
- Reuse Littleborough will remain independent and politically neutral at all times.
- The charity will not support or oppose any political party or candidate.
- All activities will comply with Charity Commission guidance, particularly CC9, and all relevant legal requirements, including election law.
4. Permitted Activities
Reuse Littleborough may:
- Campaign to influence government policy, legislation, or local authority decisions when these changes would further our charitable aims (e.g., promoting policies on sustainability, reuse, and recycling).
- Raise public awareness on issues that affect our charitable work or the communities we serve.
- Respond to government consultations or participate in policy discussions.
- Encourage supporters to engage in lawful campaigning (e.g., writing to MPs or councillors).
5. Prohibited Activities
Reuse Littleborough must not:
- Endorse or fund any political party or candidate.
- Use charity resources (including facilities, staff time, social media, or publications) to promote a political party or candidate.
- Allow trustees, staff, or volunteers to use their position at the charity for political purposes.
6. Procedures for Campaigning and Political Activity
6.1 Approval Process
- All proposed campaigning or political activities must be approved by the Board of Trustees.
- A proposal must include:
- The purpose of the activity
- How it supports the charity’s objects
- Risks and how they will be mitigated
- Budget and resource implications
6.2 Risk Management
- The Board will assess risks including reputational, legal, and operational concerns.
- Legal advice will be sought if there is any uncertainty about the lawfulness of a proposed activity.
6.3 Record Keeping
- A written record of all approved campaigning and political activities will be maintained, including:
- Board minutes showing approval
- Documentation of the activity
- Any public statements or publications made
6.4 During Election Periods
- Reuse Littleborough will take extra care during pre-election periods (also known as “purdah”) to avoid the appearance of political bias.
- Activities will be reviewed to ensure compliance with electoral law and the guidance of the Electoral Commission.
7. Roles and Responsibilities
- Trustees are ultimately responsible for ensuring that campaigning and political activity is lawful and in line with charitable purposes.
- Staff and volunteers must comply with this policy and must not undertake political activities in the name of the charity without prior approval.
8. Use of Social Media
- Any use of social media for campaigning purposes must comply with this policy.
- Posts must be factual, relevant to the charity’s work, and must not express support for or opposition to political parties or candidates.
9. Monitoring and Review
- This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or more frequently if required by changes in law or Charity Commission guidance.
- Any breaches of this policy will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action.
10. Related Policies
- Code of Conduct
- Communications Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Risk Management Policy
11. Contact
For any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact the Chair of Trustees.
