Liverpool Hope University awards honorary degree to Director of CAFOD

A charity leader who has dedicated her career to tackling poverty in the UK and abroad has been awarded an honorary degree from Liverpool Hope University.

Christine Allen, the Director of CAFOD, has received the university’s highest honour in recognition of her distinguished career in international development.

Christine, who has led the international development charity since 2019, was also acknowledged for her commitment to social justice and working to tackle poverty and social exclusion both at home and overseas, as well as her charity work with Christian Aid, Progressio and the Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS).

She received the award of Doctor of Humane Letters alongside hundreds of Liverpool Hope graduates at a ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Wednesday 24 July.

Christine is the first female director in the history of CAFOD, the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Born in Liverpool, she has dedicated her career to seeking an end to the injustices of poverty, inequality and environmental exploitation.

Before joining CAFOD, Christine spent 17 years in leadership roles at two other faith-based international development organisations. Between 2012 and 2019 she was the Director of Policy and Public Affairs for Christian Aid and, prior to that, she spent 11 years as the Executive Director of Progressio (CIIR), where she helped the organisation to grow in its work supporting local communities to overcome poverty and marginalisation.

Before joining Progressio, she worked for 10 years in housing, poverty and social exclusion in the UK as Head of Public Affairs at the National Housing Federation and Education Department Coordinator at CHAS. She has supported organisations working with homeless people and refugees and is a vocal contributor to Pray As You Go.

Christine said: “As a proud Liverpudlian, I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Liverpool Hope University, one of our country’s finest educational institutions. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a commitment to social justice and the belief that everyone, regardless of where they are born, deserves the opportunity to live a life free from poverty and inequality.

“This award is a testament to the incredible work done by CAFOD and our partners around the world to support people in the most vulnerable communities. I am proud to be part of this journey and remain dedicated to advocating for change and empowering those who are all too often overlooked."

Professor Claire Ozanne, Liverpool Hope University Vice-Chancellor, said: “Christine has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to tackling poverty on a national and global level for more than 25 years.

“Her tireless dedication to social justice and her impactful work in international development exemplify the positive contribution we aspire for all our graduates to make in the world.

“It is therefore a privilege to acknowledge Christine’s achievements with the university’s highest honour.”

ENDS

For more information and interviews contact Anil Ranchod (aranchod@cafod.org.uk, +44 (0)7969 984001, or CAFOD out-of-hours media hotline +44 (0)7919 301429).

Notes to Editors

• CAFOD (cafod.org.uk) is the official international aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality. Follow CAFOD on X-Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• With a history extending more than 175 years, Liverpool Hope University has a rich heritage that pre-dates many ‘red brick’ universities, but remains focused on the future. The university has two main campuses - Hope Park, Childwall, and the Creative Campus in Liverpool city centre. Both have seen major investment, so traditional architecture now sits beside contemporary buildings and facilities. Liverpool Hope ranked top in the North West and in the top 10 nationally in six areas of the 2024 National Student Survey: learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support, student voice, mental wellbeing services and freedom of expression.