CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) is the umbrella organisation of charities with a Catholic ethos, providing social care within the UK. Our members provide services to marginalised and vulnerable children, adults and families of all faiths and none.

Research Officer – Our Passion for Justice: Catholic Social Action in England and Wales

Salary: £24 000 -£29 000

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week) one
year fixed term contract

Job purpose: To conduct an in-depth research and evaluation project into:

i) The scale of the Catholic Church’s collective contribution to social action across England and Wales

ii) Its contribution to the social well-being of wider society

iii) What, if anything makes it a distinctively Catholic contribution

CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) is the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and a member of Caritas Europa.

This is an exciting new one year post for CSAN and it calls for a resourceful and intelligent person with excellent research skills, who is able to be self-motivated and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and deliver the research project.

To apply:

1. Download job description here

2. Send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the skills and competencies outlined in the job description to Liam Allmark liam.allmark@cbcew.org.uk

Over 40 Ministers, MPs and Peers met with staff from CSAN's member organisations at a parliamentary reception hosted by MP Jon Cruddas at the House of Commons in November.

The reception was a valuable opportunity for CSAN's members to raise their thoughts and concerns directly to those in the political arena, and a chance for our politicians to learn more about the work being done by those across the Caritas network.

Speaking at the event, Archbishop Vincent Nichols urged MPs and Peers to ‘utilise the wealth of knowledge and creativity’ of those working in social action. CSAN Chief Executive, Helen O’Brien, said that she hoped the event 'will prove to be a catalyst in developing a more open and active advocacy network between our members and those who are working to address social issues'.

Read a press release on the reception and speeches from Helen O'Brien and Archbishop Nichols.

View photographs of the reception on Flickr

A seminar exploring theological and policy perspectives on criminal justice in England and Wales today was held by CSAN in September.

The seminar, which is part of CSAN's Criminal Justice Project, brought together theologians, academics and commentators on criminal justice policy with those directly affected by crime or engaged in the criminal justice system.

Read more about CSAN's Criminal Justice Project.