The Charity Commission has today publishing updated guidance for charities on complying with the law before local and national elections.

The guidance, Charities and Elections, is for use by trustees during the period between the announcement of an election and the date on which the election is held.

The updates to the guidance include advice from the Commission on how charities should approach engagement with minority parties.

Charities undertaking political activity are not required to engage with representatives from every party on the political spectrum, but any express decision not to engage with a particular party must be based solely on the interests of the charity.

In addition, the guidance clarifies the position of charities with regard to the Electoral Commission.

Other areas covered by the guidance include contact with electoral candidates, use of charity facilities by candidates and publicity about policy issues.

Andrew Hind, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: "Charities' independence is vital to society and valued highly by the public. They must always remain politically independent, but trustees should be particularly aware of this during the election period.

"Charities have an important role to play in the discussion and debate that takes place at this time but they can become involved, or perceived as being involved, in party politics unintentionally.

"Our practical guidance contains clear legal and good practice advice to help charities ensure that they retain the essential quality of their independence whilst being able to use their voice effectively at election time."

Charities and Elections has been updated with input from the sector and the collaboration of the Electoral Commission.

It should be read in conjunction with the Charity Commission's campaigning guidance, Speaking Out: Guidance on campaigning and political activities by charities (CC9).

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