Caritas Social Action Network
Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)
Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.
Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave
Salary: £30,00
Closing date: Monday 13 July at 12 noon
Interview date: Thursday 16 July in person, in London
CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.
Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.
The key responsibilities of the post are:
1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.
2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,
3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.
4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.
5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.
6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.
7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.
8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.
9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.
The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.
CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.
Registered Charity 
1 - 5
Thank you!
Financial Controller
£60,000 - £65,000 | Permanent | 4 day working week (Full Time) | London Hybrid
Take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, and technical accounting while helping shape the future of CIPFA's finance function whilst they are undergoing transformation!
CIPFA is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Financial Controller to join their finance team in a newly created role. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, treasury, tax and compliance, while helping drive the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.
As the professional body for people in public finance, CIPFA is committed to supporting better public services through excellence in financial management and governance. This role will play a key part in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with strong financial stewardship while supporting future growth and organisational priorities.
Why this Financial Controller role stands out:
- A genuine four-day working week – work Monday to Thursday, enjoy Fridays off, and take the full salary home (it is not pro rata!).
- Newly created position with the opportunity to shape the role and influence the future direction of the finance function.
- Strategic exposure – partner with senior leaders on commercial opportunities, international activity, and organisational initiatives.
- Drive improvement and transformation across systems, controls, reporting, and finance processes.
- Clear progression potential – gain exposure well beyond traditional financial control responsibilities, with the potential to develop into a broader finance leadership role over time.
What you'll do – and what you'll gain:
- Play a leading role in statutory reporting, year-end processes, audits, treasury management, and tax compliance.
- Act as the organisation's technical accounting expert, ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and evolving regulations.
- Support strategic projects by providing insight into financial, tax, treasury, and compliance implications.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve reporting, and maximise the value of finance systems.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.
What you'll need:
- Experience preparing charity statutory accounts and managing year-end audits, either in industry or practice.
- Strong knowledge of charity accounting, VAT and SORP FRS102.
- A proactive approach to process improvement and problem-solving.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
- A recognised accounting qualification is desirable, although exceptional relevant experience will also be considered.
Location & Working Pattern:
The organisation operates a 32-hour full-time working week, with employees typically working 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Thursday (including a 30-minute lunch break) and enjoying Fridays off.
Hybrid working is in place, with 1-2 days per week in the London office.
Ready to make your mark?
This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation investing in its finance function and creating an environment where technical expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement are genuinely valued.
The deadline for applications is on Sunday 5th July, but CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged to ensure you don’t miss out!
