CSAN Blog

Party Conference Round-up: Autumn 2026

  

It’s the end of a busy season of political party conferences. As Catholics who believe that politics is an integral part of our society – contributing to human flourishing as well as inequality and injustices – this is a good moment to take stock and reflect on the state of politics in England and Wales today.

CSAN remains a non-partisan organisation, meaning that we don’t subscribe to one political party. However, we are committed to challenging any policy and politician, in line with our Christian call to social justice. This overview intends to draw out policies and events relevant to CSAN’s areas of work (poverty, refugees, dignity of work, and social care). As you read, you may have your own party membership or bias but perhaps consider how far the policies encourage us to speak out for justice. As Pope Francis said in Fratelli Tutti:

“The decision to include or exclude those lying wounded along the roadside can serve as a criterion for judging every economic, political, social and religious project” (#69).

We continue to pray for social justice to be at the heart of all our politics, and for constructive dialogue between parties which avoids polarisation.

Reform UK (3-5 September)

Following the Clacton by-election and a summer of scandals in the news, Nigel Farage hoped to strike a ‘very serious tone’ at his party conference. On social media, events were somewhat overshadowed by the release of a Channel 4 News documentary exposing the party’s plans to allegedly obtain illegal foreign donations.

Liberal Democrats (19-22 September)

The Liberal Democrats gathered in Brighton towards the end of the month to start positioning themselves for the next general election. Recent polling has suggested that the party’s values are not well-known despite its fast growth since the 2024 election. Sir Ed Davey’s speech took a stand against the rise of ‘nasty populism’, targeting Reform UK and Elon Musk.

Labour Party (27-30 September)

The key tagline of ‘hope’ was the literal and narrative backdrop of this conference which commentators said had a ‘refreshed energy and excitement’.

  • Chancellor John Healey emphasised the need for economic growth and supporting the country amidst the cost-of-living crisis, while following fiscal rules. More detail to come in the Autumn Budget (28 October).
  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that Afghan women and Palestinians would be prioritised in the re-opened resettlement routh that has been suspended for the past two years. Under this scheme, people will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years, instead of having to wait 20 years under the proposed ‘Earned Settlement’ changes. Some charities have celebrated the re-opening of this route whilst highlighting that refugee family reunion routes remain closed. The new named community sponsorship scheme was formally opened, with applications for lead sponsor organisations opening this month.
  • The Chancellor announced a new £100 million local apprenticeship service for young people, emphasising the opportunities that will come from a “new age of industrialisation”. He was also committed to Britain “winning in this AI revolution” but that it shouldn’t leave workers behind. He drew on the British history of work, including mining, mentioned union(s) 13 times and announced the “rebirth” of the Union Learning Fund after its abolition by the Conservatives.
  • The BBC interviewed Andy Burnham about his progressing social care plans, drawing on his family’s experiences of care. His speech on Tuesday revealed that a National Care Service would be introduced in the next parliament, funded by scrapping the pensions triple lock. Yvette Cooper also announced a new national pension scheme for care workers, which the Social Care Institute for Excellence has said could be ‘transformative’.

Plaid Cymru (2-3 October)

Plaid Cymru held their first conference as the party of government after ending 27 years of Labour governance in May. Notably, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth wrote a letter to Andy Burnham for a “new deal for Wales” which would expand their devolved powers to that of Scotland.

  • Poverty was a central theme in ap Iorwerth’s headline speech, taking aim at the other parties and highlighting that 200,000 children in Wales continue to live in poverty. Shortly before conference, Plaid published new policies in its “blueprint for change” document including a pledge for new homes, a new child poverty plan, renters’ rights and fairer council tax.
  • Migration was not addressed directly in the speech, but the figurehead of Plaid’s opposition, Nigel Farage, was criticised multiple times as a man who depends on ‘scapegoating, dividing communities, pitching neighbour against neighbour’.
  • The trade union Unite organised a protest outside the conference calling on the government to resolve the dispute with Cwm Taf Morgannwg health visitors, who have been on strike since February. Plaid had committed to doing this in the run-up to the Senedd elections in May.
  • The Senedd minister responsible for social care (Delyth Jewell) commented that she had written to Burnham regarding his proposals for the National Care Service, highlighting that “England is just catching up with us in Wales”. The Welsh commitments were outlined in their September pledges, including a dementia strategy, “integrated care” and cutting wait times.

Green Party of England & Wales (2-4 October)

With the highly anticipated approach of the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, the Green Party had a busy week hosting their conference at the same time as canvassing for their leader Zack Polanski to get into Parliament. The conference continued to highlight the need for action to end the genocide in Gaza, as well as themes of integral ecology and the need to take the climate emergency seriously, drawing attention to Labour’s reluctance to reject the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields.

  • Housing and the cost of living crisis were central policy issues the party calling for a three-year “emergency brake” on private rents to address the affordability crisis, which they said is pushing families out of cities, and forcing young people to chose between between ‘moving out of cities they love or giving up on ever having kids’. In the longer-term, they are calling for a Fair Rents Guarantee and plans to build council homes at. They also reiterated plans to nationalise water and make homes more energy efficient in order to bring down bills.
  • Party co-leaders spoke out against the current political power held by American tech companies, when artificial intelligence could instead be nationalised to “serve communities”. Polanski’s headline speech also highlighted the need to protect workers –through getting more young people into work, and through the proposed Maximum Working Temperature Bill to account for the climate crisis.
  • The party supported measures to improve the delivery of the National Health Service, making it publicly owned and accountable, and offering free dental, optometry, pharmacy and hearing care.
  • Zack Polanski used his speech to push back against ‘anti-migrant laws carving up communities’ and to highlight individuals and organisations standing up to protect their refugee and migrant neighbours in the face of intimidation.

Conservative Party (4-7 October)

Kemi Badenoch published the 95-page pamphlet, “The Right Way” setting out the six principles for a future Tory government, harking back to Margaret Thatcher’s “The Right Approach” document 50 years ago. Alongside this, defence was emphasised including plans to build a £10 billion air defense system to protect military bases. The headline speech heavily criticised rival parties, including rejecting the idea of a coalition government with Reform UK.

  • Think tank Green Alliance have highlighted that the ‘Our plan for a stronger economy’ proposal includes a series of environmental measures which would scrap net zero building regulations, abolish Natural England and the Environment Agency and support a third runway at Heathrow. This is claimed to help save the cost of new-build homes by £50,000 but risks exacerbating poverty, inequality and the impacts of climate change.
  • Badenoch’s pamphlet pledged to increase indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years, and introduce an annual cap on immigration.
  • £2.3 billion was pledged for cutting employer national insurance for young workers, helping thousands of 21–24-year-olds into jobs in response to the “graduate recruitment crisis”. However, under-25s without work for six months would be unable to claim Universal Credit.
  • The party announced a new policy to scrap the £100,000 earning limit for childcare, enabling high earning parents to continue to claim 30 hours of free childcare. However, shadow Cabinet ministers suspect that the party will not try to rival Labour’s social care commitments.

World Day of the Poor 2026 Resource

  

Our resource for the 10th World Day of the Poor contains a novena for each of the 9 days running up to World Day of the Poor on the 15 November, as well as a series of questions you can use to structure discussions around poverty in your school or parish. There is also a practical activity guiding groups through the ‘see-judge-act’ method to understand and take action to address poverty locally.

Watch this space for accompanying resources from our network to guide you through the novena.

World Day for the Poor 2026Download

CSAN Launches “Dignity of Workers in the 21st Century” Publication

  

Caritas Social Action Network is proud to launch its latest publication, Dignity of Workers in the 21st Century.

At a time of rapid economic and technological change, the publication explores the challenges and opportunities facing workers today through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. It reflects on issues including low pay, insecure employment, automation, migration, artificial intelligence, social care, and the changing nature of work, while reaffirming the inherent dignity of every person and the value of meaningful work.

We see this publication as part of the Church’s wider preparation to receive the anticipated major social document of Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humans”). According to reports, the encyclical will focus specifically on the impact of artificial intelligence on people and working conditions, representing an important effort to renew Catholic Social Teaching for the AI era.

Drawing on the Church’s rich tradition, including the teaching of Pope Leo XIII, St John Paul II, and Pope Francis, the publication calls for an economy that places people before profit and promotes participation, solidarity, and the common good.

We are also pleased to feature contributions from an outstanding group of writers and thought leaders, including Maria Exall, John Battle, Jon Cruddas, Clifford Longley, Amy Daughton, Charles Wookey and Raymond Friel.

Dignity of Workers in the 21st Century is now available to read and download.

CSAN_Dignity-of-workers_A4-Brochure_V3Download

Aspiring Leaders’ Programme Explores the Interpersonal Realm

  

Now in its third cohort, the Aspiring Leaders’ Programme recently gathered for its second residential at the tranquil retreat setting of the Royal Foundation of St Katharine in London. The focus of these days together was the interpersonal realm. For many of us working in the charity sector — often characterised by fast-paced and demanding environments — the residential offered a welcome opportunity during the season of Lent to step back from the pressures of daily work and enter into a space of reflection, learning and renewal.

Renewing Relationships in the Season of Lent

As our time together began, Raymond Friel, CEO of Caritas Social Action Network, offered a thoughtful reflection on the traditional pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He provided a relational interpretation of these practices, encouraging us to move away from viewing them primarily as acts of self-denial and instead to see them as pathways for renewing relationships — with God, with one another, with ourselves and with the wider created world.

This perspective was deeply inspiring. It presented a more holistic and integrated understanding of Lenten discipline, one that resonates particularly in a contemporary context where relationships are often treated as optional, increasingly mediated through digital means, or at times undervalued altogether.

Relational Leadership in a ‘White Water World’

We then benefited from a powerful masterclass in charity leadership from Patrick O’Dowd, Director of Caritas Salford. His session, Relational Leadership in a White Water World, was both challenging and energising. Patrick emphasised the central importance of attending to the emotional and relational dimensions of leadership, encouraging us to become more attentive both to our own emotional responses and to those of the people with whom we work.

One insight that has remained with many of us was his observation that while people may forget what a leader said or did, they rarely forget how that leader made them feel. Patrick spoke movingly about the responsibility leaders have to foster cultures of belonging in the workplace, and about the inseparable connection between what we achieve and how we achieve it. Organisational objectives cannot be pursued at the expense of the relationships that make their fulfilment possible.

He also challenged unhelpful stereotypes of leadership. Leadership, he suggested, is not simply about saying “yes”. At times it requires the courage to say “no”, “not yet”, or to ask discerning questions that empower others to contribute their expertise. Leadership is therefore not synonymous with personal mastery of every issue, but with recognising and nurturing the talents and strengths of others so that teams can flourish together.

Importantly, Patrick reminded us that leadership is not solely about responding to crises or solving problems. It is also about joy. Taking time to acknowledge shared achievements and to celebrate progress is vital for sustaining motivation and fostering healthy organisational cultures.

Transformational Leadership and Shared Responsibility

Our second facilitator, Stephanie MacGillivray, Senior Press Officer at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, offered practical and reflective insights into transformational leadership. Her session encouraged participants to consider their own leadership journeys and to discern pathways for growth and development.

Steph invited us to reflect on the tension between power and values, asking whether we are more motivated by the power that positions can bring or by the values that should guide our leadership. She stressed that authentic leadership requires accountability not only to those higher in formal organisational structures but also — and perhaps especially — to those directly affected by our leadership decisions.

This perspective encourages a shift away from viewing leadership as a rigid hierarchy and towards understanding it as a network of relationships and shared responsibilities. Leadership may be exercised in different ways across a team, depending on the gifts and competencies present. Steph concluded by guiding participants through a reflective assessment of their own transformational leadership strengths, focusing on key competencies such as modelling the way and constructively challenging established processes.

Trauma-Informed Leadership and the Culture of Belonging

Our final facilitator, Nikki Dhillon-Keane, a trained psychotherapist and Head of Service at Caritas Safe in Faith, offered a deeply thought-provoking exploration of trauma-informed leadership. Building on earlier discussions, Nikki outlined a fourfold typology of leadership: structural leadership rooted in formal authority; thought leadership expressed through ideas and communication; beacon leadership centred on identifying and nurturing the gifts of others; and moral leadership grounded in the consistent embodiment of personal values.

Nikki proposed that effective leadership today requires an awareness of how trauma shapes individuals and organisational cultures. Trauma, she explained, is not defined solely by events but by their lasting impact on our capacity to feel safe, connected and able to engage fully in our work. Creating environments characterised by safety and belonging is therefore essential not only for personal wellbeing but also for organisational effectiveness.

She explored how trauma responses extend beyond the familiar “fight or flight” paradigm to include patterns such as freezing, fawning and flopping (playing dead). These responses are not conscious choices but protective mechanisms activated by the nervous system. Understanding this can help leaders cultivate compassion, patience and emotional intelligence in their interactions.

Nikki also emphasised that trauma is frequently relational in origin, highlighting the profound influence that relationships have on both harm and healing. Drawing on the work of Carl Rogers, she suggested that leaders can help foster healthier workplace cultures through empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard — choosing to recognise and affirm the inherent dignity and goodness of those they lead.

Continuing the Journey of Formation

As the residential concluded, many participants were left reflecting on the depth and richness of the experience. It combined a strong sense of belonging and gentle accompaniment with a meaningful challenge to grow as leaders — responding faithfully to God’s grace and recognising that the quality of our relationships is central, rather than secondary, to the effectiveness of our work.

Participants now look ahead with anticipation to the next Aspiring Leaders’ residential in June, which will focus on exploring the organisational realm and continuing this important journey of leadership formation.

Ruth with Caritas Shrewsbury

  

I started volunteering for Caritas Shrewsbury’s The Well Project 7 months ago.

I volunteer weekly at the Women’s Group which provides a welcoming space for refugees and people seeking asylum to come together for English conversation and a range of activities, such as craft, sewing, knitting, cooking and exercise, as well as providing information and orientation for life in the UK.

Volunteering with Caritas Shrewsbury’s Well Project has been a really positive experience for me – the opportunity to connect over shared interests and activities, to have everyday conversations and enjoy each other’s company, seem like small but significant acts of normality in the unpredictable and stressful situations that many refugees and people seeking asylum are dealing with. 

Our sessions are busy and fun; skills, experiences, words, traditions, and beliefs are shared, and we all learn from each other. I know so much more about the countries and cultures of the women who attend the group now, along with some great kitchen hacks! I would like to feel that we are helping to make good Manchester memories for the new lives that the women and their families are building here.

I enjoy being part of the Caritas Team at The Well Project, the other volunteers are amazing; so dedicated, friendly, and supportive of each other. The Caritas worker who manages the sessions is excellent – she makes sure that the voices of the women are heard, and she is enthusiastic and encouraging of the volunteer team. 

When I retired, I was keen to do some volunteering in my local community. I am very glad to have found a role with Caritas, I feel that I have the opportunity to put my faith into action at The Well Project; the principles of social justice and Christian love are alive and well in what we are doing and that is important to me. 

Glenda with Marriage Care

  

I joined the Catholic Marriage Advisory Bureau, later to be called Marriage Care, 33 years ago as a Marriage Preparation Facilitator and two years later I became a counsellor. The training, love and care I received during what were some of the most difficult times in my life really helped me to be the person I am today.

I can say we are a family of love all striving for the same goal which is to help couples prepare for Marriage and to nurture them though their own journey if they have any problems.

As one of the Trainers for Marriage Preparation I can say we work together to ensure that new volunteers get the best training possible and that they are well prepared to deliver to the highest standard – ensuring that God is at the centre of all we do.

At the heart of my various roles in Marriage Care is my belief that the vows we undertake on the day of Marriage begin a lifelong journey. After 52 years of Marriage with the loss of my young son aged 16, couples need to understand that the promises they make to each other are not fickle but a light burning brightly, when the light flickers and they cannot resolve differences we  – Marriage Care – are there for them, we always welcome them to the family of Marriage Care.

When a couple say thank you for a lovely day it makes me happy, when a couple say they want to be a volunteer because Marriage Care helped and they want to give something back or when I get a letter from a priest saying that the couples are very happy with their marriage preparation day I thank God for giving us the gift of love.

Marriage Care has taught me patience, kindness, tolerance, acceptance and love.

Glenda is one of many volunteers with Marriage Care. To find out more about their work, visit here.

Helen with Caritas Shrewsbury

  

I began volunteering with Caritas Shrewsbury about six months ago, working with The Well Project based at St Aidan’s in Wythenshawe. Having previously volunteered as an English teacher with a range of students, I was looking for a project that not only focused on language learning but also fostered community cohesion and a sense of belonging.

I feel I have found this with the women’s group under the guidance of Lana.

Working with the women’s group has been a truly enriching experience. Through activities like craft, cooking, and sewing, we  try to create a welcoming space where women can practice English in a natural and supportive environment. 

More than just language skills, these sessions are about connection, confidence, and mutual learning. I’ve gained so much from listening to their stories—insights into different cultures and perspectives on resilience, and the strength of these women in overcoming challenges. I have also improved my cooking skills!

Although I am no longer a person of faith, my mother was a deeply committed and active Catholic. Even after her death several years ago, she remains my moral compass. Helping others was part and parcel of her life, and in many ways, my voluntary work is an unspoken thank you to her—for the love, guidance, and values she instilled in me.

My voluntary experience with Caritas has reinforced the power of compassion, understanding, and human connection. It has shown me that even small acts of kindness—offering time, a listening ear, or a shared moment—can make a profound difference not just to the recipient but also to your own sense of connection.

Helen volunteers with the Well Project which is an initiative of Caritas Shrewsbury. Find out more here.

Sebastian with St Vincent de Paul Society

  

Why and how did you begin volunteering as a member with the SVP?

I joined SVP back in 1983 to put Catholic Social Teaching into practise and faith into action.  I joined a local conference and set up another. Ozanam’s teaching plus St Vincent have been a key inspiration.

What difference does it make to your life?

 It has given me a real purpose and focus in my life.

Are there any inspiring stories that will always remain with you?

Many inspiring stories both here in England and Wales, and overseas with our twins. The latter has been key in giving the UK a reality check and benchmark on poverty. Having been the SVP country ambassador for our India twins, I have seen many small projects set up, especially for women in India.

Do you see any link between your volunteering and your faith?

Yes, without doing the volunteering through the SVP, where is faith in action?! Practical action inspired by and supported by prayer, Bible study and Mass and other devotions – Mother Teresa examples a constant reminder!

Kay with Caritas St Joseph’s

  

I first discovered Caritas St Joseph’s (CSJ) about 15 years ago, while looking for a day centre for my daughter Natalie. Caritas St Joseph’s was highly recommended by one of Natalie’s former teachers, and I can see why: it’s a unique place centred around core principles of love, care, kindness and commitment, all of which are shown by the wonderful staff who work there. It really feels like a family.

Having seen Natalie blossom as a student at CSJ, I thought it right to contribute to the centre’s work by sharing my own knowledge and experience, so 14 years ago I began volunteering there once a week.

I started by assisting at Reception, which helped me to learn about the students and their lives, forming strong relationships with both them and staff. A year later, I moved into the ‘Stage in Making’ class, helping students to make props, as well as supporting ‘Music  Recording’ sessions where students  prepared a show to perform at the end of term. I have also learnt British Sign Language, and enjoy practising with Natalie at home.

I have formed many meaningful friendships with students during my years at CSJ. I became very good friends with Francis, the first student I ever met back when I initially came to view the centre. He became a close family friend, sharing my husband and daughter’s interest in football. Francis passed away last year, and we miss him very much.

Volunteering at CSJ is also immensely rewarding. One student I have worked with over the past 10 years used to only be able to use one hand; now, he has made incredible progress and can use both hands. I also bonded with another student, who is a non-verbal wheelchair user; after many months of coming to my music class, he gave me a big smile and put his hand out to say hello. Moments like these are the reason I volunteer at Caritas St Joseph’s.

My faith strengthens me in my volunteering, and enables me to support the students at Caritas St Joseph’s. Helping at the centre is a pleasure, privilege and an honour. I enjoy every minute, from the moment I walk through the front door.

Kay volunteers with Caritas St Joseph’s which is an initiative of Caritas Westminster. Find out more here.

David at Hitchin Pantry

  

I joined the Catholic Church in 2006 from a lifetime of atheism. I had at that time been volunteering in conservation and countryside management for over 25 years and continued while assuming minor roles in our parish until the onset of covid  in 2020. It was at this time that I started working with Liz Wills from Caritas distributing food parcels to needy families in the local area. When we were approached with the idea of operating a Pantry I got involved in setting it up and when it opened I took on the role of meeter/ greeter and refreshment maker.

In contrast to my former years of volunteering I was now working directly with people, most of whom are financially or socially disadvantaged. This experience, particularly meeting refugees and asylum seekers, has led to a much greater awareness and insight into the challenges faced  by my ‘neighbours’ in daily life. In these circumstances I can try to fully live the gospel values taught by Jesus eg embracing love of poor and overlooked and accepting the stranger. My faith is strengthened by the knowledge of the good that can be achieved by living these values and by evangelising through good works.

I find the relationship I enjoy with our members and with the wonderful team of volunteers very rewarding and affirming of goodness and grace which is around us. Working with the team rewards me personally with friendship and support in my own life, we are a family. And of course I have found friendship with the people we serve.

We hear some heart wrenching stories, everyone whom we serve faces difficulties in their lives but it is good to know that in some small way we can help by offering a listening ear and sometimes give practical advice and assistance.

It is always good to hear of some positive changes in someone’s life, particularly for example when asylum seekers obtain a visa and a home to move into where they can start the long journey of settling into life in a new country. These are people of great resilience and determination who, despite the challenges ahead of them I’m sure will flourish in their new lives and bring much to our country.

In summary I have found in this work a new sense of purpose and belonging in my retirement years and would say that I receive more than I give.

David volunteers with the Hitchin Pantry, which is an initiative of Caritas Westminster. Find out more here. He has recently won a Caring Award with the ‘North Herts Heroes 2025,’ for his support of isolated individuals over the past three years. Watch a video of David and the rest of the Hitchin Pantry team in action here.