Open Doors is a non-denominational mission that supports persecuted Christians in over 70 countries where Christianity is socially or legally discouraged or oppressed. The charity provides vital support, training and resources to those facing persecution or discrimination.

This includes distributing Bibles and literature, running leadership training, assisting with socio-economic development and intercessory prayer. Open Doors also helps victims of violence and disaster, including widows and orphans, with practical support such as relief aid, livelihood support and community development projects.

Its vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is remembered and supported by other Christians and it prays for a world where there is no persecution.

As part of its advocacy work, Open Doors delivered a petition of 800,000 signatures to the UN and to governments around the world calling for Christians in Iraq and Syria to have the right to equal citizenship and dignified living conditions.

During the pandemic, staff with caring or family responsibilities could reduce their hours by up to 20% without losing pay and bite-sized videos topped up digital skills.

Regular communication, from bulletins detailing major changes in rules and regulations to weekly videos of encouragement from CEO Henrietta Blyth, provided staff working at home with information and support.

Henrietta also had a half-hour chit-chat with every employee and prayer slots were extended, creating a sense of common purpose and belonging.

A move to hybrid working is being considered in the longer-term.