Responding to Racist Violence in Local Communities
(If you’ve arrived straight at this page, please also check out our Responding to Racist Violence in Local Communities guide here)
This page will be updated regularly with new information and guidance as we receive it. Last update: 03/09/24.
[NEW] What you need to know when responding to violence in local communities: guidance for NAVCA members and VCSE organisations
The recent rise in racist violence has created significant challenges for communities across the country. NAVCA, in collaboration with the VCS Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP), has developed a comprehensive guide to support local infrastructure organisations in navigating these difficult times.
Foundations issue emergency funding in response to riots
A number of foundations have issued emergency funding to charities in response to the riots which spread across the UK earlier this month.
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) said many of its members have contributed top-up funding to extend this support to more groups.
The Civic Power Fund has also set up an Emergency Action Fund, which is responding to urgent needs of the existing grantees and partner referrals within 24 to 48 hours.
Speaking up against racism as charities
How can charities help to make society more inclusive? CharityComms spotlights sector responses to the racist riots and explores the different comms approaches.
Navigating the riots in the UK as an employer
The CIPD website has useful guidance on how to respond if employees are involved in the riots in the UK, either in person or through social media.
How to handle online misinformation
Misinformation is still rife, particularly on social media, so as you navigate the coming weeks, look to reliable sources for information. This NCVO video has some useful advice.
Charity Commission additional guidance
Additional guidance has been added to the Charity Commission statement on delivery of funded activities, advice on organising and rallies as part of charitable activities, and misinformation and social media:
- If you have concerns that you may not be able to deliver some of the activities set out in your funding agreements as you normally would, seek an early conversation with the funder. They may be able to help by showing additional flexibility in these exceptional circumstances.
- At this time, some charities will seek to show support to affected communities through organising, promoting or participating in movements, such as rallies. As per our existing guidance this can be a legitimate way for charities to further their charitable purpose and can offer opportunities to show the extent of public support for those charitable purposes. As that guidance sets out charities should understand relevant public order legislation and undertake careful preparations to manage any risks, such as good advance liaison with the police and other authorities.
- Misinformation is spreading across social media, and charities should avoid sharing any content without ensuring it is from an official or verified resource. There is further advice in our social media guidance. Our guidance also says that if you are using social media in riskier contexts, for example on emotive issues, to use our decision-making guidance to help you make a proper consideration and assess the risks.
Engagement with Number 10
Number 10 held a roundtable for VCSE partners on Wednesday 7 August, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Sue Gray. Government wanted to hear experiences directly from the frontline, particularly in relation to young people, and identify key asks for government. The roundtable is expected to be the start of an ongoing conversation, rather than a one-off. This was attended by NAVCA CEO Maddy Desforges and two NAVCA members, Liz Windsor-Welsh (Action Together CIO) and Mark Davies (Middlesbrough VDA).
Key themes discussed:
- Intelligence sharing and quick action on it, especially locally and regionally.
- Improved communications and guidance.
- The need to work with the VCSE sector in recovery and rebuilding, with an emphasis on codesign and engagement with Muslim civil society infrastructure.
- Resources and support for the sector – short and long term.
- Flexibility on reporting conditions for those in the asylum process and around deadlines.
- The need for a long-term positive vision and strategy with funding to support social cohesion.
Letter from Secretary of State
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has sent a letter to civil society and youth organisations, thanking them for their response to recent events, and urging them to “continue to step up and use your unique place within local networks, and identifying others who can help amplify those messages”.
England riots: Critical steps for charities to assess, review and respond
The riots taking place across the country are having an impact on charities, their people and the communities that they serve, and trustees, staff and volunteers will be making difficult operational decisions about how they respond in these circumstances.
In this video, Dan Francis (Principal Consultant, NCVO) discusses key questions you need to consider to guide the discussions and conversations that you’re going to have over the next few days.
Anti Racist Cumbria – Response to August ’24 UK Race Riots
This post from Anti Racist Cumbria includes a ‘What can I do?’ section, with ideas for individuals, work, influencing young people, engaging with your MP, Media and Social Media, supporting charities and challenging misinformation about Refugees, People seeking Asylum.
Hope Not Hate – Staying Safe amidst Far Right Violence
This guide focuses on four groups/scenarios:
1. Information for organisations supporting people seeking asylum in Home Office hotels
2. Information for charities and community groups who provide centre and service based work
3. Information for charities and community groups who carry out community based work, including housing managed in the community
4. Information for people fearful of or at risk of being directly targeted by far-right violence
Charity Commission statement in response to riots and public disorder
“Charities are at the heart of communities across the country and have always been part of the solution to division and hatred. They offer hope and unity, bringing communities of place, faith, and interest together, and they build bridges. Many have been already and are responding to the violence with courage and optimism.”
Read the full statement here, where there is also additional guidance and support.
NCVO advice and support
Many charities have been affected by recent events, and we know some of you will be afraid of being targeted in the days ahead. If you feel threatened, please seek advice from the police or your local authority, who will be working as part of the Local Resilience Forum.
Additionally, we’re sharing the following resources to help you navigate the ongoing situation:
- Watch our recent webinar recordings on responding to opposition and communicating in a crisis.
- Read our free guidance on how to manage risk.
- Read the CIPD’s advice on supporting your workforce through a crisis.
- Misinformation is rife across social media, so we would advise against sharing any content without ensuring it’s from an official or verified resource. Instead, please seek guidance and support from local emergency services and your Local Resilience Forum. Watch our video for advice.
- The VCS Emergencies Partnership provides space and opportunity for local and national voluntary and community organisations to come together, ensuring support effectively reaches those in need.
- For those who want to donate to support the Southport community, read the Charity Commission’s recent guidance on giving with confidence to registered charities.
