The interim chair of the Charity Commission Mark Simms is concerned about increasing reports of threats, violence and vandalism facing charities and their workers.

In his speech at the regulator’s annual public meeting, he said: “Over recent months, we’ve seen charity workers verbally and physically abused on the streets.

“We’ve heard of death threats, threats of sexual assault, witnessed damage and vandalism done to charity offices.”

A range of charities are being targeted including those supporting women, young people and people facing homelessness, and in particular those helping refugees.

“I have met with charities working with refugees and migrants to hear about the challenges they face, and I have been disturbed to hear about the measures some are taking simply to protect staff and their families from harm,” said Simms.

He added that what unites all charities being targeted is “that they are doing what they were set up to do – fulfilling purposes their governing documents set out, and which Parliament has ruled are charitable”.

His comments come ahead of the release later this week by the NCVO of findings from its listening forums. Simms said this is set to say “that some charities are living in a pervasive climate of fear, with staff feeling uncomfortable getting to and from work, and beneficiaries afraid to walk the streets”.

Simms urges charities to “use your righteous anger to secure better outcomes for your beneficiaries and bring people around by talking loud and proud about the work you do”.

He added: “Be unapologetic, but open-hearted in what you say and do.”

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