Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has once again been named in the Sunday Times Best 100 Companies To Work For awards.

John Kirkby and Matt Barlow, who lead the debt-counselling organisation, won the best leader category, while the charity came third overall in the not-for-profit category.

CAP is no stranger to the prestigious list, having come in the top three of every year it has entered. This year, it scored the highest marks in six out of the eight areas of its operation that were looked at by the judges.

It was not the only Christian charity to make the list, with Care for the Family and the Salvation Army Housing Association also featuring in the top 100 which were published in the Sunday Times over the weekend.

Ellie Gage, director of HR and staff development at CAP, explained what makes it such a great company to work for.

“Bringing hope to people who are despairing and seeing their outlook on life completely transformed is very fulfilling work,” she said. “We are just as vigorous with our mission as we are with our determination to look after our staff. People are our biggest and strongest asset. They are what makes the whole operation work and being fair to them and looking after them is very much at the heart of our faith.”

With many of the staff spending a lot of time speaking to people who are stressed about their financial situation, CAP makes sure it looks after its staff by holding ‘Revive Days’ where staff can enjoy a walk in the country together, have a meal or relax together.

CAP also holds quarterly ‘Well-being Days’ when staff are encouraged to get a massage, get some fresh air or drink smoothies.

“While, as a charity, we are mindful of spending responsibly on these activities, we see it paying off when so few of our experienced staff leave.”