Church Development Agency (CDA)

The Church Development Agency (CDA) is a consultancy and development partner supporting dioceses to identify, plan, and deliver housing projects using Church land. As part of the Church of England, the CDA brings confidence and competence to a unique, trusted national network, aiming to create affordable, high-quality social housing and communities well-supported by the Church and its partners. Their mission is to support dioceses, parishes, and partners to meet housing need in a way that is both missional and professionally excellent, combining technical skills with an understanding of how the Church operates.

Founded originally as The Good & Faithful Servant Ltd in 2007, CDA has evolved from a diocesan subsidiary into a national consultancy. They operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF), generating financial return for the Diocese, providing affordable housing, creating community facilities, and promoting environmentally sustainable development. All profits are donated back to the DBF to reinvest in diocesan priorities.

Their work is built on a foundation of unlocking church land for development and social impact, forging strong partnerships with diocesan boards and local parishes across the Church of England. The CDA is actively involved in affordable housing initiatives and broader community development projects, with strategic partnerships across approximately eight dioceses. They support church-led development that combines practical outcomes with social impact.

Thanks to funding from the Oak Foundation, the CDA began a three-year pilot programme in 2023 to test, refine, and scale models that could work across the whole Church, demonstrating how faith-based organisations can lead the way in addressing housing shortages and the climate crisis. They are currently working across the Diocese of Gloucester, the West Midlands, and expanding their reach to Bristol, Derby, and Truro.