Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our recruitment process. Need more help? Email us at careers@cafod.org.uk.
Please note: We do not accept speculative CVs or applications; we will only consider applications submitted through one of our live vacancies.
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Is it possible to volunteer for CAFOD?
Absolutely! Volunteering has been central to CAFOD since our founding, and we greatly value the people who give their time and skills to support our work. Visit our Volunteering section to learn more about volunteering with CAFOD. We maintain a database of prospective volunteers that is available to teams across the organisation. To find out how to be added, email the Volunteering team at volunteering@cafod.org.uk or contact your local CAFOD volunteer centre directly.
Can I volunteer overseas with CAFOD?
While we don’t currently offer opportunities to volunteer overseas, there are still ways to support CAFOD’s work around the world. We work closely with local partner organisations and staff who bring valuable knowledge, experience and expertise to their communities. This approach helps ensure that support is locally led and makes a lasting difference.
Will CAFOD provide me with visa sponsorship or a work permit?
Unfortunately, CAFOD cannot sponsor candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK. Applicants for UK-based roles must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.
Applicants for roles based elsewhere must have the right to work in the country of posting.
In the case where a role is advertised on an international contract, CAFOD in most cases will provide a visa or work permit for the country of posting; however, please review the individual advert for full terms and conditions.
Do I need to be Catholic to work for CAFOD?
No. We recruit individuals of all religions and none. We ensure that candidates have the required competencies for the position and that their values are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the organisation. There are, however, some specific positions where your experience in the Catholic community might be more relevant (this will be indicated in the job description).
Candidates will no longer need to set up an account to apply for roles at CAFOD. Once you have identified a role you would like to apply for via our careers page, follow the application link to view the application and its requirements.
Applying to CAFOD: practical tips to help you
Review the vacancy details: Read the job description and person specification carefully before you begin and prepare examples that demonstrate how your experience meets the role requirements.
Prepare your application in advance: As application drafts cannot be saved within the system, it’s often helpful to prepare your application in advance, allowing you time to review it before submitting it by the advertised closing date.
Complete your personal details: Start your application by entering your contact details carefully and make sure they are accurate and up to date.
Upload supporting documents: Upload your latest CV if the application requests one. Depending on the vacancy, applications may also include a cover note and role-specific questions.
Complete all required questions: Answer each required question fully and use succinct, relevant examples that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Review and submit your application: Review the application before submitting; check spelling, confirm attachments are included, and make sure your answers relate to the role you are applying for. Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit it.
Can I sign up to alerts to let me know when new vacancies have been posted?
Unfortunately, our system doesn’t support this function. However, please feel free to check back on CAFOD’s careers page. We also advertise all our posts on LinkedIn.
When can I expect to hear from you?
We aim to get back to applicants within two weeks of the closing date. If you, for some reason, have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date of the vacancy, your application has most probably been unsuccessful.
Will I need to travel to your offices for the interviews?
In most cases, yes, as we value the opportunity to meet candidates face to face where possible. If the post is based in the UK, you may need to travel to London for the interview. However, if there are two interview rounds scheduled, the first round will likely be done online. You will receive more detailed information if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Does CAFOD cover travel costs I might have in connection with an interview?
We treat such requests on a case-by-case basis, and we will cover reasonable expenses upon proof of payment. If you have been shortlisted for an interview, please liaise with us before you book your tickets.
How does CAFOD promote diversity in their recruitment practices?
CAFOD uses blind recruitment practices to help reduce unconscious bias and support a fairer, more transparent recruitment process. This helps us focus on the skills, experience and potential of each applicant, ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to showcase their suitability for the role.
How is CAFOD’s recruitment process accessible?
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive. We proactively offer reasonable adjustments and support to applicants; we have also achieved Disability Confident Level 1 accreditation. CAFOD also continually reviews and improves its recruitment practices to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to apply and succeed.
How does CAFOD use artificial intelligence in its recruitment practice?
Whilst our recruitment platform features AI screening, we do not use AI to independently decide who is selected in the recruitment process. CAFOD’s hiring teams exercise meaningful judgement and base the outcome of the candidate's application on how it performs against the long- and shortlisting criteria.
Why do I need to provide information on my ethnic origins, gender and disabilities?
This is not a mandatory requirement; however, we are grateful to candidates for completing the equal opportunities form since CAFOD strives to be an equal opportunities employer. In other words, the form is solely used for monitoring and statistical purposes in order to improve our recruitment processes. The form will not be used during the actual recruitment and will be kept separate from your application.
CAFOD is proud to be a Living Wage Employer
