Charity leaders should check in on their staff and volunteers during this period of national mourning as responses will be “deeply personal”, NCVO has advised.
Amy Walton, small charity support manager at NCVO, said reactions to Queen Elizabeth II’s death may vary. For example, for some it could trigger memories of personal bereavement, while it might anger others with concerns over imperialism.
“The loss of a constant figure in people’s lives, particularly for the older generation, can be quite painful – so it’s important to let people know what support is available for them,” Walton said.
It is important everybody’s views are respected, she said. It is also paramount that people know your organisations plans surrounding the period, such as whether the organisation is closing for the bank holiday or pausing social media posts as a temporary measure.
Whatever is changed in light of the news should be done with care and empathy, NCVO advised.
Walton was speaking at NCVO’s virtual sector briefing yesterday that provided information for charities during the national mourning period.
‘Be aware of the public mood’
Daniel Fluskey, director of policy and communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF), reiterated the Institute’s advise to be aware of the public mood when considering if to continue with or postpone fundraising events.
Fluskey said there is no regulatory or legal requirement to change an event in response to the news of the monarch’s death. However, he said charities should think less about “can we do it” and ask “should we?”
He stated many charities will not be holding any events on the Queen’s funeral, 19 September.
Director of influencing and engagement at NCVO Alex Farrow advised charities to review scheduled communications to make sure they do not unintentionally say something damaging or offensive.
Related articles
