Charities Under Siege: Rising Threats Create Climate of Fear

A significant increase in threats and violence against charity workers has created a “culture of fear” within organizations serving vulnerable populations, including women, refugees, and various faith groups in the United Kingdom. Mark Simms, the interim chair of the Charity Commission, expressed deep concern over the normalisation of hostility directed at charity staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. This alarming trend threatens to undermine the civilised values that have long been part of British society.

In a formal address, Simms highlighted the rising incidents of death and rape threats, harassment, and violence against charity personnel. The commission is taking action by issuing guidance aimed at protecting voluntary workers from what it describes as “unacceptable” risks stemming from public intimidation. Reports indicate that charities across the spectrum—supporting women, refugees, ethnic minorities, and the homeless—are increasingly becoming targets of extremists, particularly in the wake of heightened political divisiveness surrounding issues of immigration.

Growing Incidents of Violence and Intimidation

Charities have reported a surge in incidents of violence, vandalism, and threats since the Southport riots in 2024. These incidents have led to enhanced security measures becoming the new norm for many organizations. According to Simms, “Over recent months, we’ve seen charity workers verbally and physically abused on the streets.” He noted that these incidents have escalated to include death threats and threats of sexual assault, alongside vandalism directed at charity offices.

The impact is palpable. Staff members are expressing anxiety about commuting to work, while beneficiaries are fearful of walking in their communities. This climate of fear is not just affecting those directly involved in charities; it is indicative of a broader societal issue. Simms remarked, “If we accept as normal charity workers being abused on the street, their families threatened with violence, what will shock us?”

The Charity Commission’s new guidance addresses the current hostile environment, urging charities to regularly assess the security of their staff and facilities. Recommendations include securing entry points and establishing alternative exit routes to ensure safety.

Calls for Awareness and Accountability

Simms also condemned activists who misuse the commission’s complaints system to advance political agendas against charities. He stated, “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.” The commission’s role is to uphold charity law while ensuring that charities can operate without fear of abuse.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is set to release a report revealing that many charities feel they operate within a culture of fear. This growing concern aligns with Simms’ observations about the erosion of civilised discourse regarding charity work.

As the charity sector faces these unprecedented challenges, Simms underscored the importance of maintaining vigilance. He stated, “There’s something insidious about this normalisation,” likening it to the gradual erosion of a shoreline. “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.”

Simms will be succeeded by Julia Unwin in January. He concluded by paying tribute to the charity sector as a vital component of “decency, compassion, and civic strength” that safeguards the values of a humane and hopeful society. The need for collective action and awareness is more pressing than ever as charities continue their work amid rising threats.