Place work is about people. It’s about the spaces they inhabit, the communities they build, and the opportunities they create. Kindred’s mission is to support the growth of the social economy – which makes up 10% of our local economy: supporting people in their places is key to unlocking potential and driving social change.
“We work across Liverpool City Region, but with a hyper-local approach,” says Kindred’s place lead, Chris Spriggs. We work with people in communities who are already making a difference – or who want to, but don’t know where to start. There’s so much potential and talent in the region’s boroughs. We try to find creative ways to encourage that talent to come forward.
“Sometimes, it starts with a simple idea: a disused building that could be transformed into a community hub, a green space that could be repurposed, or a local business that just needs a place to grow,” says Chris. “Our role is to help these ideas become reality.”
What we’ve learnt
“One of the biggest lessons is the ‘power of the ask’,” says Chris. “When we invite people to share their ideas, we discover incredible potential. If you get the ask right, you can pull forward all sorts of different people and groups with brilliant ideas. The key is being open to what comes from that ask and acting on it.
“We’ve also learnt that the process takes time. Even seemingly simple projects, like finding a space for a silversmith to work and sell their products, can take longer than expected. But perseverance pays off. What really matters is resilience – keeping going until it happens,” she says. “That’s not the end, of course – supporting the person, organisation or partner – which includes our council and other partners – to keep going; get over hurdles and share what and how we did it and do it with others so everyone can keep learning, experimenting and making change happen.”
Chris describes the cyclical nature of Kindred’s network of social businesses, and how it grows. “We actively seek out new people and ideas and with a deliberate focus on the LCR’s wider boroughs and neighbourhoods” she says. “And in turn, those we work with introduce us to others. It’s a cyclical process that helps build a movement.
“We have a community of social businesses across the city region, but we’re always interested in finding out who else is out there. One connection supports the next – that’s how a movement grows.”
The challenges
Working with spaces and places comes with hurdles. Negotiations over buildings or green spaces can, very often, be long and complex; navigating layers of bureaucracy is a key challenge.
“We go into negotiations with an open attitude but often, the biggest barriers are hidden – people used to doing things ‘how it’s always been done’, which can often translate into ‘slowly’! Working with statutory partners like councils brings the need for due diligence and can sometimes be accompanied by inevitable and sometimes frustrating layers of bureaucracy, conditions and restrictions. We’ve learnt to plan for this, and to challenge where we feel we need to rather than be surprised by it,” says Chris.
She also points to the crucial role of relationship-building. “While senior leaders might support our work in principle, practical barriers often emerge at different levels. Knowing how to navigate these relationships is essential. It’s relational. Sometimes, it’s not about a technical issue but about trust – proving that we have what it takes.
“We’ve come to understand that these challenges aren’t separate from place work – they’re part of it. Place work isn’t just about the outcome – a thriving space, a community hub, a regenerated high street – the process itself is part of the work.”
And, adds, Chris, there is no perfect roadmap or toolkit. “Until you’re in the thick of it, that’s when you really learn. The world doesn’t need another toolkit – it needs people willing to do the work. Real learning comes from doing, adapting and persevering,” she says.
Communities of place are vital to Kindred’s work – and play a vital role in the region’s social economy. “In the end, people make place,” says Chris.
Top five tips for place-based work
- People make place – At the heart of place work is the community. Listen to local people, support their ideas and opportunities to thrive.
- Start with the ask – Frame the right question: What have you always wanted to do in your community? This invites ideas and brings new voices into the conversation.
- Build relationships, not just projects – Success isn’t just about securing spaces; it’s about trust. Work with communities, decision-makers and local STOs to create lasting change.
- Expect setbacks and stay resilient – Bureaucracy, delays and challenges are part of the process. Keep going, adapt when needed and stay focused on long-term impact.
- Embrace ‘learning-by-doing’ – No toolkit can prepare you for every challenge. The best way to succeed in place work is to build relationships, learn from experience and refine your approach as you go, because every place is different.