CSAN consolidated the functions of three previous social welfare organisations affiliated with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales: the Social Welfare Committee, the Catholic Agency for Social Concern (CASC), and the Catholic Child Welfare Council (CCWC).

[4][5][6] The merger of these organisations into CSAN intended to enhance the Church's capacity to influence public discourse and policy on social care.

CSAN also gained an international dimension, becoming a member of Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Europa, fostering collaboration on global and European social welfare initiatives.

[2] CSAN is a federation of more than 50 different Catholic organisations in England and Wales working with a range of stakeholders, including children and families, homeless persons, migrants and refugees, severely and multiply disadvantaged people, young criminals, older people, persons suffering from addiction, and many others.

[1][7] As of 2024, the member organisations of CSAN are:[8] The Catholic Social Action Network maintains a small national team based in London and active in the coordination and support of its members, as well as in advocacy.