Charity Commission News: February 2026
Updated 23 February 2026
Applies to England and Wales
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-commission-news/charity-commission-news-february-2026
Charity Commission welcomes a new Chair
In January, we welcomed our new Chair, Dame Julia Unwin. With extensive experience in the voluntary sector and of regulation, she will lead the board in fulfilling the Commission’s statutory duties and strategic priorities. Julia looks forward to continuing her engagement with the sector in the months ahead.
Find out more about our governance
Fundraising with confidence
We have refreshed our fundraising guidance (CC20) to coincide with the updated Code of Fundraising Practice, which came into effect in November 2025. The revised code is clearer, more flexible and better suited to modern fundraising and our guidance complements this by focusing on how to comply with your trustee duties when you fundraise from the public.
Read Charity fundraising: a guide to trustee duties (CC20)
Senedd and local elections - a message from our CEO
Charities can campaign in support of their purposes, and the Commission stands firmly behind that right. But in doing so they must stay within the law including ensuring they remain independent of party politics. As elections approach, read thoughts from our CEO on what we expect from charities in their campaigning and political activity in the upcoming period. Find out what charities can expect from us in how we will regulate this activity, alongside links to our most relevant guidance.
Read David Holdsworth’s blog Charities and campaigning: reflections ahead of the Senedd and local elections
New guidance to support charities facing a hostile environment
Late last year we published new guidance on how charities can respond when facing a hostile environment. Read this to understand how best to safeguard your people and premises and where to find support. We also updated our guidance on reporting serious incidents to help explain when you should report to us if your charity faces threats or violence.
Read How charities can respond to the current hostile environment
Recent news
During Ramadan and other times of increased public generosity, we promote tips for safer giving.
The Fundraising Regulator has published new guidance on the use of AI in charitable fundraising
If you missed our Annual Public Meeting in December, it’s available to watch on our YouTube channel.