The Conservative And Unionist Agents' Benevolent Association

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£241,000 (2023/24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Varies by need (regular monthly grants plus special requests)
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales
• Registered Charity Number: 216438

Contact Details

• Website: www.conservativeagentscharity.org.uk
• Phone: 07831 273784
• Email: sally.smith@conservatives.com
• Address: 37 Winston Close, Nether Heyford, Northampton NN7 3JX
• Honorary Secretary: Sally Smith MBE BA

Overview

The Conservative Agents' Charity (formerly the Conservative Agents' Benevolent Association until 2025) was founded in 1892 by R.W.E. Middleton, the then Principal Agent for the Conservative Party. It is a registered charity (number 216438) that has been operating for over 130 years, providing financial assistance to serving and retired Conservative Party agents and their dependants.

The charity is entirely independent from the Conservative Party and operates as a stand-alone benevolent organisation. It has current expenditure of approximately £241,000 annually, primarily funded through investment reserves rather than regular income. The charity is governed by 8 trustees and supported by 12 volunteers, including a network of “visiting agents” located across the country who visit beneficiaries and new applicants.

The charity's mission is to provide assistance through donations, grants, or other means to deserving persons who hold or formerly held office as qualified Conservative Party Agents and their dependants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Regular Monthly Grants

• Awarded to “Full Beneficiaries” based on demonstrated financial need
• Additional annual grants provided in June and November instalments

Newspaper Vouchers

• Provided to Full Beneficiaries
• Amounts vary based on payment methods

Special Support (Full Beneficiaries only)

• Low Vision Aids (subject to quotes)
• Mobility equipment: stair lifts, mobility scooters, grab rails (subject to quotes; installation covered as outright costs or rental)
• Call alarms with running costs covered
• White goods and household repairs (considered case-by-case)
• Other specific requests considered individually by the Committee

Priority Areas

• Financial hardship relief for qualified agents and their dependants
• Mobility and accessibility support in the home
• Personal safety equipment (call alarms)
• Essential household items and repairs

What They Don't Fund

• Nursing home fees - explicitly excluded
• Loans - the charity does not provide loans
• Support for serving or retired Conservative Party staff who are not qualified Agents
• Members of the public who do not fit the constitutional objects
• Members of the Conservative Party (unless qualified agents)
• Elected Conservative Councillors (unless qualified agents)
• Non-qualified CCHQ staff

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Governance and Leadership

Patron

• The Rt Hon Theresa May MP (former Prime Minister)

Officers

• President and Charity Trustee: Sir Anthony Garrett CBE
• Honorary Secretary: Sally Smith MBE BA
• Honorary Treasurer and Charity Trustee: James Cockram
• Life Vice President: Geoffrey Harper CBE

Board of Trustees

• Hayward Burt
• James Cockram
• Sir Anthony Garrett CBE
• Ken Houghton
• Gillian Johnson
• Martin Perry CBE
• David Simpson CBE
• Sarah Pannu

Investment Committee

• Chairman: Don Porter CBE
• Members: Charles Barwell OBE, James Cockram, Thomas Davies, Sir Anthony Garrett CBE, Brian Hamill, The Baroness (Emma) Pidding CBE

The trustees do not receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. James Cockram was elected Honorary Treasurer in October 2015 and became a Trustee in October 2022. He also administers the charity's website and is currently the Agent for the Cities of London & Westminster Conservative Association.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Initial contact should be made to the Honorary Secretary by phone, email, or letter:

• Phone: 07831 273784
• Email: sally.smith@conservatives.com

Applicants will be advised of their eligibility and next steps. A full needs assessment is conducted for all applicants.

Important: No expenditure should be incurred until the charity has confirmed reimbursement will be made.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Retired from their role
• Still working as an agent
• Unable to work through illness

Income Thresholds

The charity is most likely to help:

• Single people: Income of around £17,000 or less
• Couples: Income of up to £23,000

Application Cycle

Existing beneficiaries must apply annually for grants in writing.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. Contact the Honorary Secretary for guidance.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Existing beneficiaries apply annually. The charity has not published information about policies for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's published guidance:

1. Ensure eligibility: Only qualified or * Agents (or their dependants) who completed training up to 2009 are eligible. The charity cannot help non-qualified party staff regardless of length of service.

1. Demonstrate financial need: Income thresholds apply (approximately £17,000 for singles, £23,000 for couples). A full needs assessment will be conducted.

1. Contact before spending: The charity explicitly states that “no expenditure should be incurred until the charity has confirmed reimbursement will be made.”

1. Be prepared for a visiting agent: The charity operates through a network of visiting agents who meet with beneficiaries and applicants in person to assess needs and provide support.

1. Understand what's covered: Focus requests on areas the charity supports (mobility aids, home safety equipment, household repairs, essential appliances) rather than excluded items like nursing home fees.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly restricted eligibility: This is a professional benevolent fund ONLY for qualified Conservative Party Agents (with or * certification from training completed before 2009) and their dependants. General Conservative Party members, staff, or councillors are NOT eligible.

• Contact the Honorary Secretary first: All applications begin with initial contact to Sally Smith MBE. Do not incur any expenses before receiving confirmation.

• Income-based support: The charity conducts means testing with thresholds around £17,000 (single) or £23,000 (couple).

• Expect a personal visit: Visiting agents located across the country will assess applicants in person.

• Annual renewal required: Existing beneficiaries must reapply each year.

• Practical support focus: The charity primarily provides regular financial support, mobility equipment, home safety items, and household essentials rather than large capital grants.

• Long-established organisation: Founded in 1892 with experienced governance and established processes for supporting the qualifying community.

References

• The Conservative Agents' Charity - Official Website
• About Us - The Conservative Agents' Charity
• What CABA Can Do - The Conservative Agents' Charity
• Our Officers, Trustees and Investment Committee
• Management Committee
• Charity Commission Register - Charity 216438
• Charity Commission Contact Information
• Giving is Great - Charity Factsheet

Accessed: December 2025