We are Capacity: the public services lab

Public services are best delivered by the communities they serve. We’re building a better society by helping commissioners design services and processes differently and supporting ventures to start-up, grow and win funding.

Announcement regarding ongoing COVID-19 outbreak:

Following government guidelines, as of 17 March 2020, Capacity has suspended all non-essential face to face activities and closed the main office on Queen Avenue.

As an organisation, we are, however, dedicated to providing our clients and partners with continued support through business-critical face-to-face meetings, remote support, utilising video calling and online communication where possible. The brilliant organisations we work with will remain our top priority in the coming weeks and months of uncertainty and change. As a people-focussed organisation we are reassured that the determination of our communities will see us all through this difficult time.

We do plan to deliver our services to clients as normally as we can and if there is additional support or advice that you need during this challenging time, please do get in touch and we will do our very best to help you.

If you are usually in touch with an individual member of the Capacity team, then please continue to be over the phone, through video calling and email. If not, please e-mail grace.nolan@capacitylab.co.uk or call 07446663011.

This is what we do

We work with people who understand that relationships and trust are key to improving public services, from design right through to delivery.

Design

Are you looking to develop new services to improve people’s lives?

Incubator

Are you running a social venture or charity (6 months min) that you want to grow through funding or investment?

Accelerator

Are you running a small business (2 years min) and want to take the next step towards securing a significant contract?

Workspace

Are you an early stage commercial or social business looking for a City Centre work base?

This is who we do it with...

We work with organisations in the public, private and third sectors to create stronger, more sustainable communities.

The National Lottery Community Fund

Innovation Agency

Transforming Choice

Sefton Council

Lloyds Bank Foundation

Catch 22

Public Health England

Recycling Lives

Wirral Council

Liverpool City Council

Amberside Advisors

Clore Social Leadership

"It has been great so far working with Capacity. They bring an objective, questioning eye to our work life and have the time and space to think through potential solutions for the benefit of us all. We can be honest with them about our pressures and struggles which really helps."

- Dr Lucy Joyes

GP Rutherford Medical Centre

"I would recommend any organisation that wants to develop and grow to work with Capacity because they have an expert team that will provide support, advice and guidance; they are also an incredibly lovely bunch."

- Carol Hamlett

Managing Director, Transforming Choice

"When you’re at the top of an organisation it can be difficult; sometimes you need validation that you’re not going mad. Others might get that from [their] Board; I get that from Capacity."

- David Osborne

Managing Director, Catalyst Choices CIC

"We’ve still got our identity… [Capacity] never forced us to be an organisation who we don’t identify with. Capacity knows our limitations but helps us come on a bit more; to make changes that mean we make progress. I can't sing their praises enough!"

- Sue Robinson

Centre Manager, Kensington Fields Community Association

"Working with Capacity has been hugely beneficial. It’s great working with people who really get it and who share the vision and passion to make a difference."

- Karen Sankey

Clinical Director, Community Care Collaborative CIC

"Thanks to Capacity we have a contract with the local authority and a steady monthly income which means we can concentrate on supporting the people we work with."

- Carol Hamlett

Managing Director, Transforming Choice