Just 2 per cent of charities think that political parties are effectively communicating their election policies on the not-for-profit sector, according to research by Charities Aid Foundation.

Two-thirds of survey respondents said that the majority of politicians failed to understand the importance of charities in Britain today.

Three-fifths of charities said it would make a real difference to the sector as to which party was in power – although fewer were confident about the next government having a direct impact on their own organisation.

Some 86 per cent of charities said they actively disagreed that charity policy was clearly outlined by campaigning parties, CAF’s election survey revealed.

The Conservative party were regarded as slightly more effective than others in communicating their policies but less than a third of respondents said that they understood David Cameron’s policies for the sector.

Steve Clapperton, campaigns Manager for CAF said the research reveals “a great deal of scepticism from charities about government support for the sector”.

“There appears to be a failing by political parties to adequately explain their policies for the sector to charities”, he said.

“With the election now less than a month away all parties face a real struggle to make sure that their plans for the sector are heard. It is hoped that manifestos are used to clearly demonstrate each party’s vision for the future of the sector.” 

The snapshot online survey was conducted over a two-week period between 26 March and 8 April and comprised of 334 interviews with people working within the charity sector. 

Seven out of ten respondents were in chief executive, finance or trustee roles and three-quarters worked for a charity with an income of £500,000 or less.

Some 86 per cent of charities said they actively disagreed that charity policy was clearly outlined by campaigning parties, CAF’s election survey revealed.

The research also found that 81 per cent of charities said they were unaffected by the Lobbying Act.