Charities must be prepared for a challenging year ahead against the backdrop of the eagerly anticipated general election, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has warned.

The umbrella body’s Road Ahead Report 2024 has warned charities need to “think strategically about the impact – and opportunity – of political change for their organisation”.

Charities have been urged to prepare for delays in decision-making around contract tendering processes and financial decision-making, which should form part of all planning processes for the year ahead.

Additionally, the NCVO said charities must consider the “potential risks” of engaging in campaigning or advocacy – “particularly where some key issues may draw in opposing views”.

“A general election year will lead to an increase in the attention paid to some issues as some politicians and media seek to engage in manufactured ‘culture wars’,” it added.

“This is almost guaranteed to play out on social media – so you must have organisation-wide agreement on what and how you go about engaging on issues through these channels.”

NCVO said charities must work with all parties to make sure the government will be “receptive to the voices of charities and communities in tackling the big issues facing our country”, and that charities have a seat at the decision-making table.

“Across all elections in 2024, voluntary organisations have a powerful role in showcasing the reality of communities across the country and providing a platform for their voices.

“One way charities can do this is through campaigning – but all voluntary organisations must follow electoral and charity law – even those who may not consider themselves to be ‘campaigning organisations’.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hinted at the next General Election taking place in Autumn, but it could come as early as May.

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