About Christians Against Poverty

Matt Barlow hot desks around the office, deliberately working his way round various departments, ensuring he gets to engage with all staff members. He does not even have his own office, and simply books a meeting room if he needs to work on something confidentially. Matt and John also operate an open door policy, both literally and metaphorically. Their email addresses and phone number are posted on the Intranet and anyone can pop in or book some time through their PAs. This is regularly encouraged and Matt also hosts Munch with Matt. This is a regular monthly lunch time slot in his diary when staff can join him for lunch and raise any issues or ideas in an informal setting – ensuring that staff are making the most of his open door policy. Matt also writes a regular blog on the Intranet, often inviting direct response, either in person or via email. On a social level all staff are invited to Matt's house for a meal. He holds these regularly, with priority being given to new staff, or those he has not connected with for a while, but all staff have the opportunity of joining him for one of these meals. Both Matt and John also make a habit of using the staff break room and joining teams for lunches or staff birthday celebrations. Matt also makes sure to enter the staff pool and table tennis tournaments, alongside joining in with social events.

CAP reuse scrap paper. Many of their employees car share and are encouraged to do so. They have switched to energy-efficient hand dryers. They switched to Mac minis from PCs as they were more energy efficient. They also have a “sleep” policy for the computers at night, as with Mac minis the difference between “sleep” and off is negligible. CAP have an ethical action team (EAT) for all environmental issues. Matt Barlow, their Chief Executive is part of this team. They have implemented a number of charity-wide environmental awareness days, educating and informing employees of how they can become more environmentally friendly in their work and personal lives. Matt Barlow is also leading a consultation into environmental travel to work. They also ensure that their tea, coffee and biscuits are all Fair Trade.

CAP hold annual staff awards at their winter conference, with a formal dinner and dance for all staff. Awards include: Chief Executive's Award - discretionary award by the Chief Executive to a staff member or team who he feels deserves special honour and reward. Head Office Staff Member of the Year - with a male and female categories - a discretionary award to a Head Office staff member who has been diligent or hard-working, gone the extra mile, or been exceptionally successful. New Centre of the Year - for one of their new debt counselling centres that has performed outstandingly, Centre of the Year - for a debt counselling centre that has performed the best, Support Team of the Year - each CAP centre has a support team of volunteers to work with clients. This award recognises support teams who have gone beyond the call of duty to support the clients and centre, Life Changer Hero of the Year - Life Changers are individuals who support CAP's work with a monthly donation. This award celebrates the staff member who has recruited the greatest number of Life Changers or who has put the most effort into recruiting Life Changers. These awards have both winners and highly commended categories, allowing many staff to be recognised for their efforts.