CAS – Community Action Southwark

Telephone: 07535 153 248
Email: andy@casouthwark.org.uk

Andy is one of CAS’s Policy and Research Officers.  In July 2008 he graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BA Honours in English Studies. Andy is passionate about development work and, as such, he took part in Global Xchange, a 6 month volunteering exchange programme between Southwark and Lafia, Nigeria. He found this to be a hugely rewarding and enlightening experience and one that drew him to the work of CAS.

In November 2009, Andy joined CAS as an intern; he worked with the Community Development, Capacity Building and Operations teams before settling in the Policy & Participation team as a Policy and Research Officer. Andy’s remit includes ensuring that the local voluntary and community sector is informed, consulted and represented in matters relating to Adult Health and Social Care and Employment and Skills training.

I look forward to working together with all of you to ensure Southwark’s local voluntary and community sector retains its strength, depth and diversity in the face of significant policy reforms.

Telephone: 07535 153 248
Email: neeraj@casouthwark.org.uk

In July 2008 Neeraj graduated from Brunel University with a BSc in Politics and has recently since been working in the public sector at the Training and Development Agency for Schools and the Home Office developing and implementing policies on education and preventing violent crime. Having worked for central government Neeraj has a thorough understanding of how the Government works and just how influential the voluntary sector can be.

At the Home Office Neeraj worked closely with colleagues from the Department of Health to write guidance aimed at improving sexual assault victim services in Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). A key part of this was working with voluntary sector organisations, in particular Rape Crisis and Survivors Trust, and using their expertise to inform and guide our policies. Neeraj has also written policy briefings for various Home Secretaries, including Theresa May and Alan Johnson.

I am really excited about joining CAS as a Policy and Research Officer. I hope to use my skills and experience of making and understanding government policy to provide you with timely policy briefs.