SMK Annual Campaigner Survey
Each year, we ask campaigners about the challenges they face and the evolving landscape in which they work.
This is the ninth Annual Campaigner Survey. Please find the results summarised below and included in a more detailed report. This is meant to act as a snapshot of what the world is like for campaigners and changemakers.
Annual Campaigner Survey 2024/2025 – the results are in!
How far do they match your own experience over the past year?
What did you tell us about your year?
A new Government has brought fresh opportunities and disappointments
This year’s survey shows the clear impact of governmental change on the campaigning landscape. Following last year’s optimism, overall campaigners are now taking a ‘wait and see’ approach.
A fractious and polarised ‘public square’ is increasingly a barrier and a source of personal risk
The quality of debate and commentary has a profound effect on campaigners, both in their pursuit of change and personally.
Evidence from first-hand or ‘lived’ experience is helping to drive breakthrough campaigning moments
The trend towards centring voices of people with direct experience, and growth in the recognition of expertise through experience, continues – but the changes needed to support it are only just starting to be recognised by some organisations.
Recognition of the power of collaboration is growing but is still hindered by election law around coalitions
A strong theme across the survey was that joint working is delivering increased impact – and even leading to significant breakthroughs. Electoral law still poses a specific barrier to coalition work, with one in seven respondents reporting that they withdrew.
Campaigner wellbeing remains under pressure, but they are finding ways to maintain momentum and morale.
The state of the nation (and the world) is taking its toll on campaigners, as is funding uncertainty. To maintain resilience and wellbeing, campaigners need support structures and community around them that goes wider than their own organisation.
What we say
Pete Moorey, Chair of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation said:
“Campaigners welcomed the shift in tone from the new government, and there are real signs of greater openness and engagement. But after early optimism, expectations are beginning to settle, and campaigners are waiting to see what real change will follow.
“At the same time, campaigning remains tough. Polarisation, media hostility, and restrictive laws are real challenges, and we can’t ignore the emotional toll this takes. Campaigners are resilient, but they need more than just encouragement—they need stronger networks, sustained funding, and long-term support to keep driving change.”
Previous surveys
2024 - 2025
- Campaigners report better access to decision-makers (51%), a greater openness to policy influence (53%), and more meaningful consultation (59%). These are positive steps forward, yet expectations have softened since last year.
- Before the election, 66% believed a Labour government would be more open to campaigners shaping policy - now, with six months of experience, that number has fallen to 53%.
Read full survey results here >
2022 - 2023
- 94% of respondents felt there are threats to the freedom to organise, contribute to public debate, influence political decisions, or protest (otherwise called ‘civic space’)
- 72% of campaigners felt politicians’ attitudes towards campaigners had become more negative
- High profile attacks on the National Trust and RNLI by the media and politicians seemingly backfired as 27% of campaigners said it led to them being more willing to speak out.
Read full survey results here >
2021
- 96% of respondents felt there are threats, formal or informal, to the freedom to organise, speak out, or protest
- The Police Bill dominated concerns with 46% saying it will affect the way they campaign.
- 62% of campaigners said external attitudes to campaigning over the past three years had reduced the amount of campaigning they do.
Read full survey results here >
2020
- 90% of respondents felt there are threats to the freedom to organise, contribute to public debate, influence political decisions, or protest (otherwise called ‘civic space’)
- 98% of respondents felt there would be a greater need for campaigning in the next 12 months.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to 54% saying their organisation now put a greater priority on campaigning work.
Read full survey results here >
2019
- 87% of respondents felt there were threats to the legitimacy of campaigning
- 45% of campaigners felt government attitudes had become more negative towards campaigning.
- 57% felt civil society wasn’t as confident and proud about its right to campaign as it should be.
Read full survey results here >
2018
- 66% said negative media coverage of civil society was threatening the legitimacy of campaigning
- 49% felt things had gotten worse for campaigners over the previous year.
- Closing civic space, Brexit, and negative public perceptions were amongst the top reasons cited for things getting harder for campaigners.
Read full survey results here >
2017
- 90% felt there were threats to the legitimacy of campaigning.
- 49% felt things had become worse for campaigning in the previous year, with 19% saying they had not.
- 87% of respondents were concerned that the Lobbying Act would restrict the right to campaign.
Read full survey results here >
2016
- Campaigners report better access to decision-makers (51%), a greater openness to policy influence (53%), and more meaningful consultation (59%). These are positive steps forward, yet expectations have softened since last year.
- Before the election, 66% believed a Labour government would be more open to campaigners shaping policy - now, with six months of experience, that number has fallen to 53%.
Read full survey results here >