The results of the election are in. We have a new Labour government who are starting to implement their priorities. Now, charities will be thinking about how best to sustain the momentum they’ve been building for change and translating this into exceptional communications.
Our comms in an election period hub page is here to help make things a little easier. Filled with key articles, resources and inspiration, we’ll keep this page updated as news develops around the election and thought leadership is shared to keep you in the loop and help to shape your work.
Have something to say or share on this subject? Contact us on comms@charitycomms.org.uk.
The election period offers charities an opportunity to speak about their causes and the communities they serve. Charities have a legimate right to campaign and should do so proudly and boldly, considering guidance and laws that come into play to avoid any issues.
Charities will be communicating and campaigning within a uniquely challenging context and discourse. But we’ve all been learning about the role that framing and collaboration can have in making your messages sing and having impact during a busy news cycle.
We hope this hub page helps to inspire and inform you as you develop and deliver your work. Please consider sharing your insights and stories with our community – together we can showcase the power of charities and our communications.
Latest news and guidance
The Charity Commission guidance on political activity and campaigning by charities
The rules for charities that want to support, or oppose, a change in government policy or the law.
The Voluntary Sector Manifesto
Shaped by NCVO and ACEVO’s 17,000+ combined members, the manifesto is a valuable tool to ensure your voice is heard and establish relationships with the new government.
Social media policy template
Our social media policy template helps you establish standards for social media content and use for charity channels and personal accounts of staff and volunteers.
Sheila McKechnie Foundation resources
With a host of content on their website, SMK help campaigners thrive by supporting, connecting and championing them as they seek to make change.
Thought leadership and inspiration
Making the first 100 days of a new government count
Campaigner Clare Laxton shares key milestones and how to sustain campaign energy.
Framing comms in an election year and beyond
Framing experts from Frameworks UK and Heard join us to talk about the power of framing to cut through the noise.
5 inspiring pre-election campaigns: what we learnt
CharityComms and our members share inspiring campaigns in the pre-election window, asking and answering what lessons we can take forward as a sector.
Charity campaigning for impact
From the back catalogue, review how Kinship make the case for urgent change utilising messaging, voice and their network for inspiration.
When collaborating for change, we all need to be strong communicators
Adeela Warley, CharityComms CEO, writes about why partnerships matter and the vital role of communications in this work.
A new government: inspiring your team for the work ahead
Internal communicators working in and with the sector reflect on how to communicate with teams about the new government and the work ahead.
Could collective stories help us have more impact?
Adeela writes for Third Sector on the power of collective storytelling to help charities achieve more impact, together.
How charities can use social media listening to engage audiences
Read how social media listening can play a part in helping your charity stay ahead of the curve, with advice and tools you can use beyond the election.
Political and social issues on Instagram: how Meta’s new default settings impact reach
What does Meta’s decision to limit political content mean for charities? Mel from Social Firefly explores the impact.
How to create stories with real media appeal
Read this blog for insights on how you can break through the news cycle and ensure your story as a non-profit is heard.
Third Sector content: The new Labour government has everything to play for – and everything to prove
Third Sector’s editor Emily Burt comments on Labour’s win and the need for the new government to make good on their promises.
Helpful resources and updates
New social media policy template
Our social media policy template has recently been updated to help you build a social media policy that reflects best practice.
Wellbeing guide for comms professionals
The work seemingly doesn’t stop for communicators, especially as a new government establishes themselves. Our guide is here to help, with guidance on how to embed wellbeing and build resilience into your worklife.
Campaign planner and briefing templates
Our campaign brief template and campaign planner document are designed to help make your life easier by giving you a starting point from which to build your campaign activity.
DSC General Election 2024 Resources Hub
Take a look at the Directory of Social Change website for policy commentary, analysis and resources.
AMRC election hub
The membership organisation supporting medical research charities releases an election resource hub page.
Getting the climate story right
New guide from Climate Outreach explores key recommendations on talking about climate.
Resources from the pre-election period
- The Charity Commission outline the rules of political activity and campaigning during an election period.
- Guidance for charities from the Electoral Commission on regulated campaign activity during an election.
- NCVO translates guidance and law into practical advice on your campaigning and communications during an election period.
- Charity law firm Bates Wells share a suite of resources on campaigning which explain the key rules for charities to consider in a run up to an election.
- Helen Deakin writes for us on key questions to hone your campaign during a general election to grab the attention of Prospective Parliamentary Candidates.
- Zoe Amar writes for Third Sector on managing your online presence during a general election, alongside the potential rise of misinformation and deep fakes.
- Civil Society Media share views from infrastructure organisations on what to consider in the pre-election period and their approach to supporting charities.
- Media Trust and Clare Laxton share advice on how your charity can engage supporters effectively and responsibly during a general election.
- 181st Street, the communications agency, release resources on what the general election means for existing campaigns and how to prepare for manifesto announcements.
Add a resource
Do you have anything to add to this page to help other charity communicators during this time?
Whether you just have a link, a few words or a blog in mind, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us on comms@charitycomms.org.uk