UK charities face ‘culture of fear’ as threats and violence surge

A chilling "culture of fear" has taken root within numerous charitable organisations across the UK, according to a grave warning issued by Mark Simms, the interim chair of the Charity Commission. Charities serving women, refugees, and various faith groups, including mosques, churches, and synagogues, are experiencing an alarming surge in death threats, rape threats, and pervasive harassment. This disturbing trend, manifesting both online and in physical spaces, risks eroding the fundamental civilised values and norms that British society once held sacrosanct.

The Unsettling Rise in Hostility Towards Charities

The landscape for many charities has become increasingly fraught with danger. Simms articulated his profound concern that growing hostility towards charity staff, volunteers, and the very beneficiaries they serve is becoming disturbingly normalised. This isn't merely an abstract concern; it translates into tangible incidents of violence, vandalism, and a constant barrage of threats that leave individuals and organisations feeling vulnerable and exposed. Indeed, some within the sector now regard enhanced security measures and the threat of abuse as simply "the new normal," a stark indicator of how significantly the operating environment has deteriorated.

A wide array of charities has reported being targeted by extremists, a phenomenon often linked to a discernible rise in toxic and divisive political rhetoric, particularly concerning immigration. Since events such as the Southport riots in 2024, there has been a documented increase in incidents of violence, threats, racism, and general abuse. The organisations most frequently affected include:

• Refugee and asylum seeker charities
• Muslim, Jewish, and other ethnic minority organisations
• Various faith groups
• Women's support groups
• Youth bodies
• Homelessness charities
• Charity shops, often seen as community hubs

In an upcoming speech to the commission's annual public meeting, Simms is set to highlight the visceral nature of these attacks. "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," he will state. He underscores that these targeted charities, despite their diverse missions, are united by one crucial factor: they are simply fulfilling their charitable purposes, as defined by their governing documents and enshrined in law by Parliament.

The Insidious Normalisation of Abuse

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this escalating hostility, as Simms points out, is the apparent lack of widespread shock or outrage beyond the charity sector itself. "What I have found especially disturbing is how little surprise these events have sparked beyond the sector itself," he will remark. This normalisation, he warns, is insidious, likening it to an "eroding shoreline." He paints a vivid picture: "Waves of violence crashing against land, day by day, wearing down, inch by inch, the values and norms we once took for granted. And if we don’t pay careful attention, we may fail to notice, until it’s too late, that we are at the very edge of the cliff." This powerful analogy serves as a stark reminder of the long-term societal consequences if such behaviour is allowed to fester unchecked.

While acknowledging that charities are not above the law and their work should always be open to challenge and debate, Simms firmly asserts a fundamental principle: "But nobody should face abuse for doing their job." This distinction is crucial, separating legitimate scrutiny from malicious harassment.

Charity Commission's Proactive Stance and New Guidance

In response to this escalating crisis, the Charity Commission has taken decisive action, issuing formal guidance designed to equip charities with the tools and knowledge to protect their voluntary workers. This new advice specifically addresses the "current hostile environment," explicitly recognising that "some charities are now operating in an environment where a section of the public is actively hostile to their work."

The safeguarding advice offers practical steps for charities at risk, urging them to:

• Regularly review the security of staff, visitors, and premises.
• Consider upgrading existing security measures, which might include CCTV, enhanced lighting, or alarm systems.
• Assess the security of entry doors and ensure they are robust.
• Identify and ensure the availability of "alternative exit routes" in case of emergency.

Furthermore, recognising the personal risk faced by leaders, the Commission has indicated it will be "sympathetic" to voluntary organisations requesting the removal or redaction of trustee names from the public register of charities. This measure would be implemented in cases where there is clear evidence that trustees might be identified and targeted by extremists, offering a vital layer of protection for those dedicating their time to public good.

The Human Toll: A Climate of Fear

The impact of this hostile environment extends far beyond damaged property or abstract threats; it deeply affects the individuals who staff and volunteer for these organisations, as well as the vulnerable people they serve. A forthcoming report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is expected to shed further light on this, revealing that many charities describe existing in a pervasive "culture of fear." This manifests as staff feeling nervous about their daily commute to and from work, and beneficiaries, who are often already in precarious situations, becoming afraid to simply walk the streets.

Beyond Physical Threats: Weaponizing Regulation

The challenges faced by charities are not solely confined to physical and verbal abuse. Simms also took aim at those who attempt to "weaponise the legitimate work of charities" by misusing the Charity Commission’s complaints system for political ends. "We will not indulge those who seek to misuse the commission as regulator to further political ends or undermine the rights of charities under the law," he will assert unequivocally. He stressed that the Commission's role is to uphold charity law, as passed by a democratically elected Parliament, not to be swayed by political agendas.

This warning comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents in recent years where right-wing activists and Conservative backbench MPs have lodged formal complaints against charities they label as "woke" or "Marxist." Notable examples include the National Trust and Barnardo’s, both of which faced accusations of breaching charity laws. Crucially, none of these complaints have been upheld by the Commission, underscoring Simms's point about the misuse of regulatory processes.

Upholding the Bedrock of Society

As Mark Simms prepares to hand over the reins of the Commission to Julia Unwin in January, he will pay a heartfelt tribute to the charity sector. He describes it as a "bedrock of decency, compassion and civic strength," a sector that consistently steps forward to "protect the shoreline of a civilised, humane, hopeful society." This powerful sentiment encapsulates the vital role charities play in the fabric of the nation, often filling gaps left by state services and fostering community cohesion.

The current climate, however, poses an unprecedented threat to this bedrock. The escalating hostility, the normalisation of abuse, and the attempts to undermine legitimate charitable work all represent a significant challenge to the principles of a compassionate and just society. Protecting charities and their dedicated workers is not just about safeguarding individual organisations; it is about defending the very values that define a civilised nation.