Skill
A learned ability used to perform part of a task.
CA-PRAXIS™ Capability Framework
Build capability
that lasts.
CA means Capability. Praxis means putting an idea into practice. The framework helps a client define a capability, build it through real work, verify progress with evidence and create the conditions to sustain it.
From individual practice to institutional capacityThe client owns the capability. Consultancy Mantra guides the method and transfer.
The model in plain language
What is CA-PRAXIS™?
CA-PRAXIS™ is Consultancy Mantra's evidence-led capability and capacity-building framework for organisations that need an important practice to work reliably in a defined role and setting. It begins by naming the required outcome, capability, people, context, quality standard and evidence. The framework then moves through five actions—Define, Diagnose, Practise, Verify and Sustain—so learning is applied through authentic work rather than inferred from attendance or course completion. Progress is recorded on a five-level Capability Ladder, from Aware to Sustained, using the highest level fully supported by agreed evidence. The client sponsor owns the outcome, practice partners perform the work, and Consultancy Mantra guides the method and joint evidence review. A named client continuity owner then carries the routines, tools, governance and next target forward, so individual competence can become durable institutional capacity.
Competency
The skills, knowledge, judgement and behaviour needed to perform to an agreed standard.
Capability
The demonstrated ability to apply a competency reliably in a defined role and context.
Capacity
The ownership, leadership, tools, routines and governance that keep the capability working over time.
Capability exists in contextName the practice, role, setting, expected standard and evidence before assigning a level.
Five-action process
Move from definition to sustained practice.
The process follows one named capability in one real setting. It starts with the required work and ends with clear client ownership.
Example capabilityDistrict programme teams use a shared dashboard to identify attendance risks, decide a response and record follow-up action.
- 1Define
Name the outcome, capability, people, context, quality and intended evidence.
Capability definition - 2Diagnose
Review current practice and the system conditions that help or block it.
Baseline and target - 3Practise
Use authentic tasks, feedback, coaching and repeated application.
Practice evidence - 4Verify
Review evidence together and record the highest level fully supported.
Verified level - 5Sustain
Transfer ownership, strengthen system support and set the next target.
Continuity plan
Company philosophy beneath the framework
ConsultDefine and Diagnose
BuildPractise and Verify
AmplifySustain and improve
Capability Ladder
Progress becomes visible through practice and proof.
The levels describe what can be demonstrated. They are not course stages, job grades or a measure of attendance. The right target depends on the mandate.
- 1AwareExplains the practice and purpose
- 2GuidedCompletes an authentic task with support
- 3PractisingApplies independently in real work
- 4ReliableRepeats to standard and protects quality
- 5SustainedSystems and ownership keep it working
BaselineWhere are we now?
Agree the starting level, target and evidence before practice begins.
Practice evidenceWhat is changing in real work?
Review tasks, work products, observation, quality checks and system records.
VerificationWhat is fully supported?
Record the highest proven level, continuity owner and next target.
If evidence sits between two levels, record the lower level that is fully verified. Attendance, completion and self-report do not establish a level on their own.
Roles and ownership
The client owns the capability. Consultancy Mantra guides the method.
Responsibility stays clear from the first definition through evidence review and handover.
Shared focusThe named client capability
Client Sponsor
Owns the outcome, priorities, resources and major decisions.
Consultancy Mantra Guide
Runs the method, protects evidence quality and records decisions.
Practice Partners
Perform authentic work, contribute evidence and improve the practice.
Handover resultNamed Continuity Owner
The client person or role that keeps the practice, routines, tools and next target working after the engagement.
Evidence is reviewed jointlyIf reviewers disagree, the lower fully verified level remains until stronger evidence is available.
Choose by the required result
CA-PRAXIS strengthens ability. SEED creates the solution.
A mandate may use either framework. Use both only when the client needs both a new solution and the capability to operate and sustain it.
CACA-PRAXIS™
Use when the result is stronger, verified capability.
- Examples
- Faculty practice, AI adoption, data-use capability, programme delivery or workforce performance.
- Result
- A defined capability, verified level, evidence record and continuity plan.
SSEED
Use when the result is a designed and delivered solution.
- Examples
- A course, curriculum, platform, workflow, service, programme, data system or operating model.
- Result
- A scoped, tested, implemented solution with clear ownership.
Common buyer questions
How would CA-PRAXIS™ work in an engagement?
These answers clarify when the framework fits, how evidence is handled and what remains with the client.
When should an organisation use CA-PRAXIS™?
Use it when the required result is stronger, verified capability in real work—for example faculty practice, AI adoption, data use, programme delivery or workforce performance. Use SEED when the primary result is a new solution such as a course, platform, workflow or operating model.
What evidence determines a capability level?
Evidence can include authentic tasks, work products, observation, quality checks and system records. The client and Consultancy Mantra review it together and record the highest level fully supported. Attendance, course completion, confidence ratings or self-report do not establish a level on their own. See the guide to choosing evidence for capability building.
Does CA-PRAXIS™ certify participants?
No. The framework records capability verified through evidence agreed for the engagement; it does not claim external accreditation, certification or endorsement. If evidence falls between two levels, the lower fully supported level remains until stronger evidence is available.
Who owns the capability after the engagement?
The client does. The sponsor owns the outcome and resources, practice partners perform the work, and Consultancy Mantra guides the method. A named client continuity owner carries forward the practice, routines, tools, governance and next target.
Detailed visual reference
Use the full framework.
The handbook explains the framework boundary, four key definitions, five questions, five-action process, Capability Ladder, evidence rules, roles and worked examples.
- Skill, competency, capability and capacity
- Define, Diagnose, Practise, Verify and Sustain
- Five-level Capability Ladder and scoring rules
- Roles, ownership and application examples
Start with the real work
What must people and systems
do reliably?
Tell us which practice needs to improve, who performs it and where it must work.
Connect Read the handbook