Tips for building capacity

If you can’t find people with the exact skills you need, don’t worry – skills can be built. The most important thing is finding people who are willing to learn. Educational qualifications are useful, but not essential.

Start by identifying individuals in your team or community who are interested in growing. Have honest conversations about their strengths and gaps, and be just as open about your own. After all, you can’t help someone develop a skill you don’t have yourself.

Set clear expectations for what the learning process will involve – this helps avoid misunderstandings later on. Create a supportive environment where people feel safe to ask questions, give feedback, and suggest better ways of doing things.

Be willing to get things wrong, and apologise when needed. That builds trust. At the same time, hold each other accountable – but never at the expense of kindness.

Most importantly, keep showing up. Skills aren’t built overnight. Regular, consistent support makes all the difference.