Charities Warn of Rising Violence and Threats Against Workers

A significant rise in threats and violence has created a troubling “culture of fear” within UK charities that support women, refugees, and various faith communities. Mark Simms, the interim chair of the Charity Commission, expressed his concerns regarding the increasing hostility faced by charity staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. This alarming trend, he noted, is becoming increasingly normalised, risking the erosion of fundamental civil values within British society.

As the Charity Commission releases new guidance aimed at protecting voluntary workers, it highlights the unacceptable personal risks that are now part of the charity landscape. Simms pointed out that numerous organisations have reported being targeted by extremists in light of the growing divisive political rhetoric surrounding immigration. Incidents of violence, vandalism, and the implementation of heightened security measures have become commonplace.

In his address at the Charity Commission’s annual public meeting, Simms remarked, “Over recent months, we’ve seen charity workers verbally and physically abused on the streets. We’ve heard of death threats and threats of sexual assault, and we’ve witnessed damage and vandalism done to charity offices.” He emphasised that the charities being targeted vary widely, serving women, refugees, young people, and the homeless, as well as being places of worship.

Simms highlighted a disturbing trend: the lack of widespread shock following these incidents. He noted, “If we accept as normal charity workers being abused on the street, their families threatened with violence, what will shock us?” He likened the gradual acceptance of such violence to the slow erosion of a shoreline, warning that society must remain vigilant to avoid reaching a tipping point.

Despite the alarming situation, Simms affirmed that charities are not above scrutiny and should be open to debate. “Nobody should face abuse for doing their job,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of civil discourse. The Charity Commission is prepared to support voluntary organisations that request anonymity for their trustees if they face threats from extremists.

The newly released guidance addresses the current hostile environment in which some charities operate. It encourages organisations to regularly assess the security of their staff and facilities, suggesting improvements such as secure entry systems and alternative exit routes.

According to the upcoming report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, many charities describe existing within a culture of fear, with employees anxious about commuting and beneficiaries feeling unsafe in their communities. Simms also condemned activists who misuse the commission’s complaints system for political purposes, stating, “We will not indulge those who seek to undermine the rights of charities under the law.”

In recent years, several high-profile charities, labelled as “woke” or “Marxist” by right-wing activists and Conservative MPs, have faced unfounded complaints to the Charity Commission. None of these claims have been upheld.

As he prepares to step down in January, Simms will be succeeded by Julia Unwin. He took the opportunity to commend the charity sector as a vital component of a compassionate and civilised society, urging all to protect it from the rising tide of hostility and violence.