Staff and volunteers within the UK's charity sector are experiencing a significant rise in hostility, intimidation, and online abuse, according to a report by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
The report, published in December 2025 following listening forums with representatives from 46 voluntary organisations, details a pervasive climate of fear that is impacting daily operations and the well-being of those working in the sector, particularly individuals from global majority backgrounds.
Participants described receiving intimidating emails and other forms of harassment, leading some organisations to cancel community events, reduce their online visibility, and scale back public activities due to direct threats or security concerns. Some charities have even removed trustee names from their websites to mitigate risks. The report also noted increasing internal tensions within organisations, stemming from conflicting views among staff, trustees, and volunteers, as well as challenges with service users.
NCVO chief executive Kate Lee emphasized that this hostile environment is preventing organisations from safely delivering their core missions and that fear is widespread, affecting staff, boards, volunteers, and the communities they support. The organisation also recognized a reluctance among minority community members to take on public-facing roles.
In response, the NCVO is calling for solidarity within the sector and is committed to mobilizing collective action and identifying guidance to support voluntary and charity organizations. The Charity Commission has also released its own guidance to help charities navigate these difficult circumstances, acknowledging that some charities are operating in an environment where their work is met with active hostility.
