Capabilities programm at Demos

The Capabilities Programme at Demos is a three-year programme of research that will be focusing on the skills and capabilities needed to succeed in today's society – and how families, schools and communities can develop these skills in children and young people.

The programme will combine econometric analysis, qualitative research, and rigourous and bold new ideas to examine which capabilities matter most to successful development, how these are acquired, and what examines different levels of development and wellbeing. In recent years, research has highlighted the extent to which character traits such as agency, motivation and application – often termed 'soft skills' have become increasingly important to life success, particularly for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.