This page lists opportunities for paid or voluntary work that are:
- With the national team of Caritas Social Action Network in London.
- Offered by independent organisations within the Network, where they have notified us about the opportunity.
If you are interested in volunteering with our member charities, please visit their websites or contact them directly – see the Our Members section of our website to find out more.
Please note that the small, national team in London is not able to offer work experience placements or short-term volunteering opportunities.
Last updated 6 July 2022
Trustees needed to promote Catholic social action in
England and Wales
Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is an agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales. It is also a network of over fifty Catholic social action charities and diocesan Caritas organisations. CSAN is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and part of the global Caritas Internationalis family. The charity works to:
- Further the charitable works of the Catholic Church in England & Wales in accordance with its teaching through the development of the network of those working in social action;
- Advance the education, training, practice and formation of those active in the field;
- Promote the development of individuals and communities for the benefit of the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised of all faiths or none by offering a coherent Catholic voice in the public arena,
The Board of Trustees is looking to recruit new trustees in 2022. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic about Catholic social action and teaching and have a broad range of experience and knowledge including: Church organisation, third sector leadership and management, fundraising, finance, communication, human resources, politics, the law. In particular, we are looked to recruit an Honorary Treasurer with experience and skills in finance and accounting.
You need to be able to commit to four Board meetings per year, with the associated preparation and follow-up work. Other events may call for your presence and some work relating to your particular skills may also be expected. Board meetings take place in central London. This is a voluntary role, but expenses are paid.
Trustee Role Description
Caritas Social Action Network’s Trustees act as custodians of the organisation’s vision, mission and values. They have responsibility to ensure that these are embedded in CSAN’s work and to monitor this through the Strategic Framework. Together with the Chief Executive, they are actively involved in the development of the organisation and its work. The Trustees play an important role in scanning the external environment in which CSAN operates: reading the signs of the times, understanding the shifts in relevant policies and the trends within the Catholic community.
In bringing to bear this external viewpoint the Trustees seek opportunities which ensure that CSAN maximises its potential to reduce poverty, exclusion and disadvantage. They act as ambassadors for the organisation.
Expectations
Trustees are expected to:
- Play an active part in the work of the Board of Trustees, enabling it to achieve the purpose set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Give some time to CSAN between Board meetings, following up any action points according to their responsibilities
- Fulfil occasional ambassadorial, advocacy and representational roles
Key roles and responsibilities
Trustees should:
- Preserve and develop the mission of CSAN and ensure its good governance
- Undertake strategic planning, taking into account the interests of stakeholders, together with the associated strategies, plans, targets and performance indicators
- Monitor the performance of CSAN against agreed strategies, operational targets and performance indicators
- Approve annual estimates of income and expenditure, ensuring that resources are available to meet the strategic plans and targets
- Ensure the financial health of CSAN, and safeguard its assets
- Ensure the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability including financial and operational controls and risk assessment with adequate internal and external audit
- Ensure compliance with the charitable purposes of CSAN and observance of Company law
- Appoint the Chief Executive and the determination of his/her pay and conditions of service
- Identify and encourage potential major donors, corporate or foundation trust individuals.
- The Honorary Treasurer is a trustee who has been designated this specific role or office. They will have particular responsibilities concerning the finances, ensuring that proper accounts are kept, and helping to set financial and investment policies and an annual budget.
Applications are by covering letter outlining the skills and knowledge you will bring to the role accompanied by a CV. Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 29 July. Shortlisting will take place on Thursday 11 August, with in person interviews in central London on Wednesday 7 September.
All informal enquiries and final applications please send to recruitment@csan.org.uk.
The Medaille Trust
The Medaille Trust has a number of vacancies in roles such as Caretaker, Cleaner, Night Welfare Worker, Case Worker Assistant, Family Activity Co-ordinator, at a variety of locations.
For more information and to apply, please see the Trust’s website.