The Charity Commission’s chair Julia Unwin has hailed the role of charities in combatting increasing divisions in society.
Speaking at the Third Sector Conference yesterday, Unwin said charities had been directly impacted by cynicism, tension and division.
“We have heard harrowing accounts of people facing threats of death and horrific violence, simply for the work they do in delivering on their charity’s lawful purposes,” she said.
“And we see debates in which the aim seems not so much to persuade others, but to undermine their right to hold different views.”
She said charities build “social resilience” and “offer a great bulwark against division and hatred”.
“Not because your work is cosy and uncontroversial – often it is quite the reverse,” she said.
“But because you can and must demonstrate that your charity’s work is led not by personal interest but by purpose, motivated by altruism and compassion.
“And because charities so often bring together people who might otherwise have little in common.”
Mooted new powers to tackle ‘extremist and terrorist abuse’
Unwin said plans to extend the commission’s powers to clamp down on charities suspected of engaging in extremist behaviour were necessary.
Backed by outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer, the plans were detailed in a policy paper in April but have not yet come into force.
Sector organisations including NCVO, Oxfam and the Muslim Charities Forum have warned that the proposals could hamper charities’ campaigning work if not accompanied by appropriate safeguards.
“Our powers in tackling the extremist and terrorist abuse of charities need strengthening, so that we can take more decisive action where those involved misuse their platform to spread vile hatred and division,” Unwin said yesterday.
She thanked the Treasury for increasing the commission’s budget significantly for the current financial year, which she said had helped to strengthening its online services.
“This is particularly important in the face of growing demand, both at registration and in our compliance casework,” she said.
“This will include work to better tailor our communications with trustees, so that you receive the information you need, when you need it.”
Unwin added: “These changes are not about altering the purpose of the commission. They will allow us to better deliver on the remit parliament has set for us, in the context in which we are now working.”
Related articles
