Protecting charities from abuse for extremist purposes
How trustees, staff and volunteers can protect their charity from abuse by those encouraging extremism, terrorism or illegal activity.
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Charities often play an important role in different parts of society and in different ways. This can include challenging held views and perceptions and undertaking high risk activities, which may involve encouraging free speech.
As such, many charities further their charitable aims by arranging meetings involving invited speakers and by distributing literature and other educational materials. In most cases, this causes no problems.
However, terrorists and those who encourage terrorism have been known to use charities to make their views known. These are risks which charity trustees need to be aware of and actively manage.
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates
-
Updated to reflect the government’s 2024 definition of extremism.
-
Updated to signpost to safeguarding responsibilities and relevant guidance.
-
This guidance has been updated to help charities that regularly host or hold events at their premises.
-
First published.