Raymond Friel

Raymond Friel is a Visiting Professor at St Mary's University and CEO of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), the Catholic Church's poverty alleviation and advocacy agency in England and Wales. With over 30 years in Catholic education leadership, he has held roles including headteacher, National Leader of Education, and CEO of multi-academy trusts. His expertise spans Catholic social teaching, ethical leadership, and faith integration in education. An OBE recipient (2022), he was honored as an Honorary Professor at St Mary's in 2024.

Education Background: Graduate of Glasgow University with extensive executive education in leadership roles across diocesan and systemic structures. Professional Development: Continuous engagement in Catholic theological and pastoral formation programs.

Research focuses on servant leadership inspired by Gospel values, social justice advocacy, and the intersection of faith with contemporary societal challenges. His publications emphasize practical theology in institutional contexts, including works like *Catholic Social Teaching: An Introduction* (2023) and *Formation of the Heart*.

Recognition also includes endorsements from prominent Church figures such as Bishop Declan Lang and Dame Rachel de Souza. Current projects include freelance consulting, keynote speaking, and mentoring senior leaders in Catholic institutions.