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Approaching the capacity building task
Materials and resources for community capacity building can be broadly divided into two types:
- Resources that community groups and organisations would use to improve their operations or become more effective
- Resources that community workers and others might use to assist community groups with the above.
Community learning and development workers would reasonably be expected to have knowledge of and access to the resources that community organisations would find helpful - in our resource guide we cover both types.
Community capacity building may include work with;
- Individuals
- Community groups
- Whole communities
- Community networks
With individuals, community capacity building is focused on increasing skills, confidence, and understanding for people involved in community activities of all types. The skills required can be very broad, involving interpersonal skills, leadership, organisational and administrative skills, political skills and many others. Those providing capacity building support need to be sensitive to changing circumstances, and flexible enough to be able to provide the type of support needed, when and where it is needed.
For community groups, the skill sets are similar to those needed for individuals. However, more emphasis would be placed on the skills needed for organisational development and management; for visioning and planning; for working together and for working for change. Community groups also need to be able to monitor and evaluate their work, and in particular, be aware of equalities issues.
Whole communities may also be a focus for capacity building work. Some communities will have an active network of local groups and organisations who work well together, share information and ideas, signpost people to each other's services, and work together to represent the interests of the whole community. Elsewhere, there can be poorly developed or inactive groups, conflict between groups, or a failure to tackle issues facing the community. Supported community forums, networks or umbrella groups can be a good mechanism for bringing together local groups, addressing any differences, and working to establish a shared vision. Community capacity building work can be focused on building such arrangements.
The fourth level of community capacity building is with community networks. These may operate at area-wide or national level, and aim to build the recognition and effectiveness of community development work in a given sector or area. They can provide information, help identify and share lessons from experience, and bring together a range of views to inform or influence public policy and service delivery. National examples include CHEX, the Community Health Exchange, and the Community Voices Network. These, and other similar networks, can give an identity and recognition at national level to a wide range of local community organisations, and help create an environment within which the local organisations can be more influential or effective.
There are other programmes described as 'capacity building' that are outwith the scope of community capacity building and of this guide. For example, the (English) Department for Communities and Local Government runs a capacity building programme to 'enhance and develop Councils' confidence, leadership and skills to advance improvement as well as develop their capacity to learn, innovate and share knowledge and expertise about what works and how'. Other capacity building programmes focus on organisational development and effectiveness, particularly in the voluntary sector, or on individual skills training related to employment opportunities.
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