Six essential policies for charities

Charities are working in an environment that is constantly evolving and tricky to navigate. Many organisations are managing growing expectations around governance, staff wellbeing, safeguarding, and the responsible use of new technologies. As the environment changes around us, keeping policies up to date has never been more important.

The third edition of our CharityPolicies and ProceduresTemplates has been designed with charities in mind. It introduces six new templates that reflect emerging priorities across the sector and support organisations to respond with clarity, care, and confidence. The full resource includes 62 policies and procedures that you can adapt to your organisation. Here’s some more information on the six new policies:

Artificial Intelligence Policy

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used across charities, from drafting funding applications to analysing data and supporting communications. While these tools can save time, they also raise questions about ethical use, confidentiality, and accuracy.

This new template helps charities set clear expectations, supporting teams to use AI responsibly while protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust.

Cybersecurity Policy

Charities often hold confidential information about beneficiaries, donors, and staff. Protecting this data is essential. At the same time, many organisations rely on small teams and limited IT support.

The cybersecurity policy provides practical guidance that helps staff understand their role in keeping systems secure. It outlines responsibilities and supports a consistent response if issues arise.

Pregnancy Loss Policy

Supporting staff and volunteers through difficult experiences is an important part of creating a compassionate culture. Pregnancy loss can be deeply personal, and managers may want to offer support but feel unsure about the right approach.

This template provides clear and sensitive guidance, helping charities respond with empathy while ensuring consistency and fairness.

Reproductive Health Policy

Charities are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting reproductive health in the workplace. This may include menopause, fertility treatment, and menstrual health.

The reproductive health policy helps organisations create an inclusive and supportive environment. It encourages open conversations and outlines practical adjustments that can help staff continue their work comfortably.

Serious Incidents Policy

Charities need clear procedures for managing serious incidents, whether they relate to safeguarding, service delivery, or operational issues. Having a structured approach helps organisations respond quickly and appropriately.

This template supports charities to define serious incidents, clarify reporting lines, and ensure accountability, helping to strengthen governance and reduce risk.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Creating a safe and respectful environment is essential for staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. A clear sexual harassment policy helps set expectations and ensures concerns are handled appropriately.

This template provides a comprehensive framework that supports prevention, encourages reporting, and promotes a culture of dignity and respect.

Supporting Charities to Stay Up to Date

These six additions bring the resource to a total of 62 essential policies and procedures. Together, they cover employment matters, compliance, finance, and governance, all tailored to the needs of charities.

Rather than starting from scratch, you can adapt professionally structured templates to suit your size, structure, and activities. This helps save valuable time while supporting strong governance and consistent practice.

Whether you are part of a leadership team, responsible for HR, or overseeing compliance, the third edition is designed to make policy development more manageable, helping your charity focus on what matters most. Take a look and order your copy here.