A guide has been launched to support charity staff, their leaders and those they are supporting against an “unacceptable rise in racist, xenophobic and sectarian hate” in the UK.

The free online resource has been published by think thank the Directory of Social Change and warns that extremist groups “and in come cases politicians are targeting racialised people and marginalised communities with racist language and narratives, violence, threats, intimidation and harassment”.

Charities are already being directly impacted, the think tank warns.

“It is increasingly evident that the effects are not limited to organisations helping people who have been displaced but extend to many different types of organisations and causes, especially those working with or representing marginalised communities,” it said.

The Charities Against Hate guide aims to give charity leaders “practical actions” they can take to protect their own safety and that of staff and volunteers, including re-evaluating their strategic planning and working in partnership with other charities “to push back against racism and bigotry”.

In updating strategic planning to take into account the rise racism, charity leaders are being urged to “consider whether you need to find a way to finance additional security or safety equipment for your premises” adding “could you go back to funders and ask about this?”.

Charity workers are urged to ensure trustees and senior managers are informed of any incidents.

“Depending on the severity of the incident and your charity’s policies, trustees may need to
hold an extraordinary board meeting to evaluate and decide next steps,” adds the guide.

“It’s vital to keep written notes and formal minutes which clearly document the actions taken and agreed, because subsequent police investigations or regulatory reporting will need them.”

The guide adds: “The risk profile for many organisations, especially those representing racialised people, has likely changed recently.

“This needs to be part of your board discussion and annual reporting, but also the systems you have in place to gather data related to risk.”

Leaders are also urged to report incidents to their charity regulator “who need this information to best advise your charity and to record and understand what is happening more widely, so they can share data with the police and other authorities about the bigger picture”.

Inclusive language

The guide also urges charities to ensure that their marketing, articles, blogs, policies, and services use inclusive language to challenge “structural forms of hate, including racism”.

This “creates a respectful environment for both employees and people using charity services”.

The guide states: “Trustees should make sure that staff and volunteers are aware of where they can source inclusive language guidance, either internal or external.

“It might also be worth enshrining inclusive language in an equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EEDI) policy.

“By increasing the use of inclusive language, the charity sector can influence how the rest of civil society uses language.

“How we talk about others is constantly evolving, so it is important to be an active part of the evolution.”

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