24 May 2024

What does this mean for P3?

In the lead up to the general election or ‘purdah’ P3 needs to follow the law covering charities and campaigning. This means we should not be seen to encourage support for any political party, candidate or their policy position. For example, sharing a social media post encouraging people to vote for a particular candidate.

It’s perfectly acceptable for us to continue to promote our views on issues reflected within our mission, vision and values. So, sharing our thoughts and concerns for people experiencing homelessness, mental ill-heath or food poverty is something we can continue to do, however we have to steer clear of explicitly sharing or endorsing views (both positive and negative) of the political parties and their candidates when it comes to these themes.

In particular, this means being mindful on P3 social media channels and not sharing any overtly political content.

It’s also important to note it’s not necessary to name a party or a candidate on social media or in wider communications for it to be considered ‘party political activity’. Content can trigger a formal warning from the Electoral Commission (who work to promote public confidence in the election process and ensure charities follow the election law) if it is positive or negative about a policy position closely connected with a particular political party, for example if a reasonable person would then think you are calling for people to vote in line with this view.

If you have any queries about any messages or activity you are considering during the run up to the election, then please contact Louise in Comms: louise.owen-mcgee@p3charity.org

For anyone interested in fine print, please follow the links below: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/running-a-charity/political-campaigning/#msdynttrid=cdmfdojxektcajJcbkP5UzLtNupaK51dD6pY-l96hUE

Charity Commission and Electoral Commission chairs share advice for charities engaging in public debate

Placing homelessness on every MP’s agenda

This General Election Toolkit should be used to place homelessness on every MP’s agenda. We want to call on all MPs to use their office to ensure future homelessness policy decision making centres upon people’s wellbeing and holistic, joined-up service provision.

For this to be achieved every new politician who enters Parliament needs to possess a good understanding of homelessness and the policies needed to end it. They need to be equipped with the tools to advocate for people experiencing homelessness and homelessness services.

This is where everyone in P3 can help!

We can engage with the candidates and help Homeless Link reach its ambitious target of engaging with at least 100 candidates across the country.

You can find the prospective parliamentary candidates for your area here: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

By achieving this, homelessness will remain high on the political agenda and whoever forms the next Government will feel the pressure to act.

We know that you are extremely busy, so the toolkit provides you with a template letter which you can copy, paste and personalise on page 9. You can also add a call to action, asking them to sign Homeless Link’s prospective parliamentary candidate pledge to confirm their commitment and for you to hold them to account if they are elected.

Find the pledge here: https://homeless.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigning-and-influencing/a-home-for-everyone/a-home-for-everyone-pledge/

If you have any questions about contacting your parliamentary candidates or would like some help personalising your letter, please contact Louise in Comms: louise.owen-mcgee@p3charity.org

We’ve joined forces with social enterprises from every corner of the UK under the banner of the Future Economy Alliance.

Here the sector has come together to campaign to highlight the importance of working for purpose-driven organisations, where growth is not driven by profit, but by social value. The Alliance wants to see a mission-led approach to our UK economy become the national norm. With an estimated four million people working in mission-led organisations, there is already living proof that social enterprises are a huge force for good; so we’re calling on those in power to unleash the sector’s potential.

Please sign and share the petition: Mission to Fix our Economy

After the daytime conference at Derby Arena, we will be returning to Bustler for the evening event, where the party will be on! 🎉

Things to note: 

⭐ Bookings will open three months prior to the event for the daytime and evening celebrations – so watch this space for info!

⭐ Nominations for the 2025 P3 Awards will open ahead of the event, so keep an eye out for updates!

We hope you’re as excited as we are about next year’s event and make sure to get Friday 9 May 2025 in your calendar 🤩