Campaigning is an integral part of a vibrant and healthy society. It empowers individuals and organisations to envision and advocate for change, something the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) has championed for nearly two decades. Using SMK research from the past two years, we’ve built a picture of the state of campaigning in 2024. We’ve provided links to different pieces of research, if you want to delve deeper.
A complex landscape
The state of campaigning today is defined by its complexity, involving multiple actors and a range of strategies and tactics. Results of our SMK Annual Campaigner Survey 2024 found that a significant 65% of respondents believed the overall landscape in the UK has made campaigning more difficult in the past year. Here, we offer an overview of that complex landscape, looking through the lenses of societal and political dynamics, broader attitudes, the personal experience of campaigners, and the behaviours of the wider campaign community.
Societal and political climate
Over the past decade, civic space in the UK has faced numerous threats, including restrictive policies, legislative challenges like the Lobbying Act, and a hostile political narrative. These issues have created a ‘firefighting’ environment for campaigners, who often struggle to address the sheer volume of challenges. This has been exacerbated by the fear of political and media backlash, with many charities finding themselves ‘boxed-in’ to their core issues and avoiding broader societal commentary to avoid controversy or funding repercussions.
Public and political perceptions
Trust in charities has recovered in recent times and now sits above politicians and the media. Broader public opinion towards charities also remains largely supportive, with 74% of the public viewing the charity sector as a force for good. However, there is notable confusion in how the public perceives charities’ roles in politics and advocacy. While 65% of the public believe it is acceptable for charities to challenge government policy, the term ‘lobbying’ carries a negative connotation, with only 45% finding it acceptable for charities to lobby MPs. Instead, terms like ‘having a voice in parliament’ are more positively received, reflecting the importance of language in framing the work of campaigners.
In relation to political perceptions, Labour tends to be more positive about their relationship with the charity sector than their Conservative counterparts. In April 2024, nfpResearch found 64% of Labour MPs described the relationship as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, compared to just 35% of Conservative MPs.
Similarly, when asked if the charity sector as a whole was ‘too political’, only 8% of Labour parliamentarians felt it was, compared to 83% of Conservatives. This is in contrast to the public, just 15% of whom think charities are too political, with 59% wanting government to work in partnership with charities more.
Personal experiences of campaigning
The 2024 SMK Annual Campaigner Survey revealed growing pressure among campaigners, with 81% reporting increased stress. Despite this, many have achieved notable successes, with a similar number reporting wins or reaching milestones.
However, the demands of the job have led three-quarters of campaigners to question their energy levels and sustainability in the role. The three words most commonly used to describe their experience were ‘challenging,’ ‘tiring,’ and ‘rewarding.’ This dichotomy underscores the emotional and psychological toll of campaigning, as well as the rewards of making a tangible impact.
Support and solidarity from campaigners’ wider community
The findings emphasise the need for greater support systems within the campaigning community. There is a call for infrastructure bodies and employers to prioritise mental health and wellbeing, foster connections and communities of practice, and provide ongoing skills and knowledge development. Additionally, there is a critical need to address issues of equity and inclusion within the sector, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.
The attitudes of trustees towards campaigning also reflect a cautious optimism. While 82% view campaigning as vital to charities’ work, there is concern about the risks involved, particularly regarding political and media backlash and potential loss of donor support. The lack of clarity around regulatory guidelines further complicates these challenges, with only 16% of trustees finding Charity Commission guidance on campaigning very clear. This led us to develop a guide for trustees on Navigating charity campaigning.
Looking forward
Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism about the future. Many of our survey respondents felt a potential change in government could reshape the landscape, something that has now happened (I guess time will tell on this one!) While campaigners hope the change will lead to a more constructive relationship between decision-makers and civil society, there remains scepticism about whether some of the more punitive measures affecting campaigning will be repealed.
In a complex and often challenging environment, the commitment of campaigners continues to drive meaningful change. As we look ahead, the focus must be on building robust support systems, fostering a positive narrative around campaigning, and being bold in the fight for our civic space. Together, these efforts can ensure that campaigning remains a powerful force for good in society.