voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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OSCR Guidance for Scottish Charities on Campaigning About Political Issues
Created: 20/04/2026
News/Events Category: Governance
The Scottish Parliamentary election will be held on 07 May 2026, and it is important that charities are clear about their responsibilities when campaigning on political issues. OSCR have guidance available on their website about charities and campaigning on political issues.
The guidance takes the form of frequently asked questions, and includes helpful information about relevant topics including:
- how can charities engage with political parties and politicians?
- can charities take part in joint or local political campaigns?
- what do charities in Scotland need to do to comply with electoral and charity law?
What does Scottish charity law say about campaigning on political issues?
It cannot be the purpose of a charity to support a political party. However, charities may campaign on political issues where it is consistent with their charitable purposes.
Scottish charities can campaign on political issues to advance their charitable purposes, including during election periods, as long as the requirements of charity law and, where necessary, electoral law are met.
For example, a charity whose purpose is to provide sports training for young people may want to lead or get involved in a campaign to save the local sports centre which has been threatened with closure. This may involve engaging with local politicians, lobbying members of the Scottish Parliament or organising a petition.
Charity trustees must always act in the interests of the charity, including being mindful of how campaigning might affect the reputation of their charity.
Read the full guidance here: Charities and campaigning on political issues.
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