The regulator has ordered charities not to get involved in politics or let their leaders' personal views dictate their public positions.
< p>In a major speech, Orlando Fraser, chairman of the Charity Commission, said that charities should remember that they are «not political parties.»
He said: “Charity organizations must remain focused in everything they do to achieve their goals. Not the personal views or instincts of their leaders.»
The comments were called «a welcome dose of common sense» by the Tories, who complained about the activist stance of charitable leaders.
>Mr. Fraser's remarks were prompted by regulator concerns that charities had crossed a line when some criticized the government's plan to send illegal migrants to Rwanda.
In a speech to charitable leaders, Mr. Frazier said that while charities should «speak out in support of their goals and in the interests of their beneficiaries», they «are not political parties.»
Those without a voice
He said: “Charity organizations often speak on behalf of those who otherwise would not have a voice. That's how it's always been and that's how it will always be.
“No one, least of all myself, wants public discourse to be devoid of the experience, understanding and honesty that charities so often bring. But charities are not political parties.
«They should remain separate from the political struggle — not focus on debunking the motives of those who think otherwise, but on solving problems and influencing your beneficiaries.»
Mr. Fraser made his comments in an unrecorded speech at the Leadership Festival of the Association of Leaders of Voluntary Organizations (ACEVO) on March 22, which was posted on the Commission's website.
Mr. Fraser targeted leaders who were guided by their personal views, not the legal goals of their charities.
He said: «Charity organizations have the opportunity to model a better and more constructive public discourse.»
“I emphasize that I do not want charities to show deference to those in power or spare the government or politicians.
“But charities must continue to be guided by their goals, and not by the personal views or instincts of their leaders.”
Mr. Frazier spoke after charities said the Rwandan government's new immigration policy was being ignored. the UK's commitment under the UN Convention to give people a fair trial, no matter how they get to the UK, last month.
Enver Solomon, head of the Refugee Council, told the BBC that the plans would «add additional cost and chaos to the system,» adding: «It's unworkable, expensive and won't stop boats.»
Freedom from Torture, a charity that treats asylum seekers, called the measures «vindictive and ineffective.» And Amnesty International called them “shameful posturing and intimidation.”
Mr Fraser took over as chairman in April 2022 for a three-year term. The £61,500 a year role is for two and a half days a week.
The Commons Committee on Digital, Culture, Media and Sports opposed his appointment due to the way the process was run. , but not him as a person.
«That's great news»
This remark was welcomed by Conservative MPs. David Jones, a former minister who sits on the Committee on Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs, told The Telegraph: «This is great news — a much-needed dose of common sense from Orlando Fraser.»
«He phrased I thought that Charity activists are abusing their position to promote left-wing political agendas.
This is something that politicians and members of the public have been complaining about for some time. I know this from my own mailbox.
“Orlando Fraser is great for speaking out on such an important issue.”
Jane Yde, head of ACEVO, told The Telegraph last night: “There are perfectly good laws. and rules that set boundaries for the political and electoral activities that charities can carry out, but those boundaries also create a space in which our sector can and should legitimately exercise its voice on behalf of the communities and causes we stand for.
“History bears witness to the many public policy achievements that this activity has helped achieve, from the abolition of slavery to the rights to work that we all take for granted.
“The Commission's own recommendations set out very clearly the duties and rights of charities in their campaigning activities. Public debate is a hallmark of a healthy democracy, and a healthy democracy needs active citizen participation and challenges backed by fair and effective regulation.”
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