What are the main missions of Catch22 as a charity?

Catch22 has two primary missions: providing direct services to individuals facing various challenges, such as housing and employment, and advocating for broader reforms in public service provision. This dual focus allows them to address immediate needs while also working to improve the overall system for better efficiency and effectiveness.

How does Catch22 define its approach to service provision?

Catch22 describes itself as having 'the heart of a charity but a mindset of a business.' This means they prioritize social impact while also ensuring financial sustainability and responsible use of public funds, allowing them to deliver effective services.

What role does data play in Catch22's strategy for public service reform?

Data is crucial for Catch22 as it helps them understand the needs of the individuals they serve. By collecting and analyzing data, they can identify what works, advocate for policy changes, and influence local and national service delivery based on evidence.

What is the significance of the term 'Catch-22' in the context of this charity?

While the term 'Catch-22' originally refers to a paradoxical situation in bureaucracy, the charity aims to reverse this concept by removing absurdities in public service provision. Their goal is to make desired outcomes achievable for individuals in need, rather than creating barriers.

How does Catch22 collaborate with other organizations and sectors?

Catch22 works in partnership with various entities, including other charities, local authorities, and private sector companies. These collaborations are designed to align values and skills, enhancing the effectiveness of the services provided to individuals facing challenges.

Why do public service providers take advice from a charity?

Inclusion

Andy Canniford

Chief Development Officer — Catch 22

Why do public service providers take advice from a charity?

10:29·3 March 2026

There is growing need for support for people across society, and the UK landscape of service provision is a complex one. Charity Catch22 addresses that complexity in many ways, most of them thoroughly hands-on, assisting and accompanying people, often one-to-one.

Andy Canniford is Chief Development Officer at Catch22 where his work is wide-ranging, far-reaching and yes, complex! The historied charity has two main missions today: actual services on the ground, ranging from assisting with housing issues, to employment, to work in prisons; and the ‘bigger picture’ – overhauling service provision across the board. It is that double profile that gives them the legitimacy to advise state actors on how to get the system to work efficiently for the benefit of the people who need it. Listen to Andy talk about the charity’s unique position, and hear him share his passion for the work and his pride in the teams at Catch22.

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Catch22 has two primary missions: providing direct services to individuals facing various challenges, such as housing and employment, and advocating for broader reforms in public service provision. This dual focus allows them to address immediate needs while also working to improve the overall system for better efficiency and effectiveness.