The Charity Commission has published a statement and guidance for charities whose activities relate to Iran, as the current situation there remains volatile.
The regulator said it is aware that charities will be affected in different ways by the conflict in Iran and the wider region, and that it aims to support them in delivering their charitable purposes within the law.
Last July, it published guidance and support for charities operating in the Middle East, covering a range of issues including safeguarding and compliance with financial sanctions.
In its latest statement, published yesterday, the regulator encouraged charities facing significant issues or incidents to report them via its online tool for reporting serious incidents.
“This enables us to assess the steps being taken by trustees and helps us provide support and advice where required,” it said.
“Clear information on the nature of incidents occurring in charities also informs our own policies and enables us to report to government and others on trends facing the sector.”
Links between charities and extremism or terrorism
The regulator urged charities whose staff operate in the region to monitor the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and read guidance on protecting staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
It said that, as some charities consider responding publicly to the events and wider regional context, trustees must consider the context of their activities carefully.
“The nature of the political framework in Iran also presents additional considerations in how statements and activities may be perceived,” it said.
“A number of individuals and groups in Iran are sanctioned and consequently subject to restrictions, though not proscribed under UK law.
“As a civil regulator we’ll respond robustly to evidence of links between charities and extremism or terrorism, and we will make referrals to other agencies where appropriate including where there is evidence of criminality.”
The regulator reminded trustees that they have a duty to ensure their charity’s activities further their charitable purpose and are in the organisation’s best interests.
This includes holding events and posting material on websites or social media.
“In the current context, the commission urges charities to be careful to ensure that any political activity they’re involved in furthers their charity’s objects and complies with our guidance,” the commission said.
Operations in the UK
The commission said the heightened international tensions could also present challenges to charity operations in the UK, “particularly where charities have perceived links to states involved in the current conflict”.
It said trustees have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect staff, volunteers and members of the public who come into contact with their charity from harm.
Faith community organisations can apply for one of the Home Office’s protective security schemes here.
The commission will continue to monitor the situation, including assessing incoming intelligence from individual charities and sector bodies, and update its guidance when needed.
Fadi Itani, CEO of the Muslim Charities Forum, said: “The Charity Commission’s guidance on the evolving situation in Iran can be a helpful resource to help guide charities and remind trustees of their obligations.
“We remain deeply concerned about the risk of the conflict spilling over into neighbouring countries, with potential detrimental humanitarian consequences.
“De-escalation is essential to protecting lives and preserving regional stability amid ongoing crises in the Middle East.”
Meanwhile, charities that want to run emergency appeals legally and effectively so that people affected can receive the help they need should consider the commission’s fundraising for an emergency guidance, which was updated on 26 February.
