CAP’s People and Place team has been recognised at the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards for creating a culture where people are supported, valued and encouraged to thrive.
We’re delighted to share that Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has won the Excellence in Wellbeing – Public or Third Sector award at the 2026 Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards.
The award recognises the work of our People and Place team, and the culture they help to create for people across CAP.
But for us, looking after people is much more than about CAP being a great place to work.
At the heart of everything we do is our Christ-centred value – our anchor value. It shapes who we are, how we work and how we treat one another. We believe every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and care.
When our staff are supported, equipped and able to flourish, they can use their skills and spiritual gifts to better supprt the local churches we work alongside. And when the churches are equipped and supported, they can be there for people in their communities who are facing debt and poverty.
A culture shaped by compassion
Compassion at CAP is intentional. Anchored in our faith in Jesus’ restorative justice, we actively prioritise wellbeing, set healthy boundaries, and look out for one another. Our People & Place team’s recent award recognition is a testament to this culture in action, especially in how we walk alongside team members navigating difficult seasons and family life challenges.
Katy Lucas works at CAP alongside her husband. She highlighted:
The ability to work flexibly has enabled us to still do our jobs to a high standard, but also care for our daughter who has a long-term illness. We are very grateful.
Katy Lucas, Training Developer at CAP
Alongside flexible working to navigate difficult life seasons, CAP’s People & Place team also ensure that wellbeing is prioritised in other ways, from hosting menopause awareness events, mental health days, a pathway to care website, neurodiversity support and much more.
The judges recognised the culture our People and Place team has helped to create:
Their inclusive and accessible policies are creating a culture of trust and openness and helping to break down stigma. Their creative, in places unique, wellbeing offer is woven into the culture and underpins their core value of compassion.
Judges from the Excellence in HR Awards
A team that puts people first
Sarah, Justine and Kirsty from CAP’s People and Place team headed to the awards ceremony to represent CAP. They were up against some fantastic organisations from across Yorkshire, so winning was a genuine surprise. In fact, they hadn’t practiced an acceptance speech! Kirsty, Head of People & Wellbeing at CAP, reflects:
‘We are so proud of our team who work tirelessly to care well for our staff as they serve our clients, church partners and supporters. We are grateful to the judges for recognising how much we’re able to achieve through our creative and compassionate approach.’
It’s a huge privilege to play our part in serving this incredible organisation as we continue in our mission to see transformed lives, thriving churches and an end to UK poverty.
Kirsty Allen, Head of People & Wellbeing at CAP
Sarah Oxford, Senior People Operations Manager also reflects on the support she has received from CAP:
‘I moved to CAP six years ago from working in education because it offered great flexibility as a working mum, but I knew straight away I could do my role and care for people at the same time; it’s never one or the other. I have also been on the receiving end of the wellbeing support offered at CAP, and it has been a lifeline.’
It’s a privilege to be part of a team that continuously looks for ways to improve our offering to support colleagues at any stage of life, and to share compassion with colleagues in the difficult circumstances that arise. I’m so proud of our team, which makes wellbeing part of all our conversations and lives it out in all that we do, and it is led from the top to the bottom.
Sarah Oxford, Senior People Operations Manager at CAP
Justine Barnes, Chief People Officer at CAP, explains how she leads the team and what this role means to her:
‘It is such a privledge to lead the People and Place team at CAP, I am surrounded by incredible individuals who give everything each day to either serve our clients and churches or to look after our teams that do that.’
Wellbeing at work is so important, particularly when you spend your working life taking care of the most vulnerable in society. This is not an easy job and so it is absolutely essential that we make sure our people are well cared for.
Justine Barnes, Chief People Officer at CAP
We’re incredibly proud of the team and are grateful for everything they do to make CAP a place where people can thrive.
Want to be a part of CAP?
The work we do makes a difference. We’re a community of skilled, dedicated people driven by our Christian faith. Together we serve the UK Church, equipping it to make a real impact on UK poverty.
