The Council for Social Responsibility (CSR) is an independent charity registered since 1963, although its work can be traced back to at least 1920.
1920’s
The Lambeth Conference calls for Councils to promote physical moral and social welfare to be formed
Portsmouth Church Council for Preventive and Rescue Work established including involvement in adoption
Portsmouth Diocese established
1930’s
Name changed to Portsmouth Diocesan Council for Moral Welfare
1940’s
Women and babies hostel opened in Southsea
1950’s
The Grange Probation Hostel in Purbrook was purchased
1960’s
Portsmouth Diocesan Council for Moral Welfare was registered as a charity
1970’s
Renamed Portsmouth Diocesan Council for Social Work
Community Care Groups were first establised with some central support
All work as an adoption agency ceased and was handed over to Hampshire County Council
1980’s
Renamed Portsmouth Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility
A World Development Adviser was appointed
Faith in the City was published
1990’s
Probation Hostel in Purbrook was sold to the Probation Service
2000-2010
Good Neighbours Support Service expanded, rebranded and relocated to Portsmouth
Rapid Parish Development Programme (rpdp) was first piloted
Work began with the Kaospilots School, Aarhus, Denmark, on creative leadership and entrepreneurship
2011 – 2016
Presentation at York General Synod fringe event on rpdp approach, called ‘Trash the Church’
rpdp spread to other dioceses and begins to grow
CSR achieved financial sustainability
Joint Venture Social Enterprise was set up, – a development and innovation company for churches, charities and community organisations
Revised brand – The Rapid Development Programme (rdp) for parishes, deaneries and dioceses and launched with new website
The collaboration between Kaospilots and CSR continues with a Portsmouth born initiative IROC ( Independent Republic of Creativity)
A new Good Neighbours Network approach launched supported by a new website – Royal Event to celebrate 40 years of Good Neighbours!
2017
CSR launches new website and looks forward to 2017 with an updated rdp offer and exciting parish led engagement projects in the pipeline.
Find out more about us
Find out about the people behind CSR, the partnerships we have made and our performance through our Annual Reports.
Meet the team
Our people and trustees
Meet both the members of the CSR team as well as the trustees that support us and our work.
Background
Partnerships and Stories
Read more about the partnerships CSR has made and the individuals and organisations that have benefited from our work.