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Civility Pledge

Jo Cox on her election night.

Campaigning for respectful politics is a key part of our work to make change on the issues that Jo Cox was passionate about. 

Robust debate and scrutiny are essential aspects of our democratic process; abuse and intimidation shouldn’t have to be. Abuse can make elected representatives feel they need to step down and put potential future candidates off standing altogether. We all have a responsibility to challenge this.

Together with Compassion in Politics, we urge everyone engaging in politics to take the Civility Pledge.

Sign the Civility Pledge

To sign the Civility Pledge visit the Compassion in Politics website, with whom we have created the Civility Pledge in partnership.

Share the Civility Pledge

Simply download the graphic below and share it on your social media channels using the hashtag #CivilityPledge. 

You can use our example posts or share your own wording – just make sure to tag @JoCoxFoundation and @CompInPolitics and use the hashtag #CivilityPledge.

Civility Pledge graphic – A4Download
Civility Pledge graphic – TwitterDownload
Civility Pledge graphic – FacebookDownload
Civility Pledge graphic – InstagramDownload
Civility Pledge graphic – LinkedInDownload

Example social media post:

I am taking the #CivilityPledge from @JoCoxFoundation and @CompInPolitics and pledge to:
– Use a civil and constructive tone in debate
– Act with integrity, honesty and compassion
– Behave respectfully towards others, including those I disagree with

I am taking the #CivilityPledge from @JoCoxFoundation and @CompInPolitics. Share on X

Background to the Civility Pledge

The Civility Pledge has been created in partnership between The Jo Cox Foundation and Compassion in Politics, two organisations working to improve UK politics. 

Compassion in Politics is a cross-party think-tank working to put compassion, inclusion, and cooperation at the heart of politics. Find out more about their work.

The Jo Cox Foundation is the charity making meaningful change on issues that Jo Cox MP was passionate about, including respectful politics. Find out more about this work.

Guidance for election candidates: What to do when it goes too far

The Joint Guidance for Candidates in Elections has been co-produced by the Electoral Commission, Crown Prosecution Service, National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing with input from organisations including The Jo Cox Foundation. The guide can be referred to when campaigning should you face abuse and intimidation.

We recommend reading this guide – which includes information on contacting the police, protecting yourself, family and colleagues and specific legislative guidance – so that you are prepared, should any instances of abuse arise.

Read the guidance

Read more