We've been working since early summer on a new idea which we think could have a big impact.

What could be done to make our society more skilled rather than relying on professionals and systems? Are there ways in which raising the capacity of 1% of the population could have a direct impact on quality of life at relatively low cost?

We propose testing out a new approach to citizen skills which could have a major impact. We're particularly interested in skills which can be learned relatively easily that help to reduce the risk and effects of everyday crises. By their nature these sorts of crises happen unexpectedly and in all places; professionals are scarce and costly. Our collective ability to deal with crises is a good test of how strong our society is in practice.

1. The 5 core skills which could fit into this category include:

• First Aid

• CPR, and knowledge of defibrillators

• The ability to defuse conflict intervening in a potential fight (based on the Defuse model)

• The ability to spot child or other kinds of abuse

• The ability to intervene when someone is at risk of harming themselves (because of drink, drugs, mental illness)

2. These could be branded as a common set (eg Skills for Us, or Street Skills) and provided in classes at existing places - libraries, colleges etc. All can be taught relatively quickly - 1 or 2 day courses that get you to a reasonable level.

3. The teachers would be existing practitioners with some added help.

4. Completing courses would gain a qualification and points which can be claimed against council tax (eg a £50 a year discount), so long as the individual is willing to put a sticker in their window and potentially to wear a badge.

5. Teachers and learners would be mobilised through advertising and supported by a variant of the School of Everything platform.

6. A particular focus could be teenagers, for whom gaining these skills could be a route to status. Potentially they could be integrated into citizen service.

7. The pilots would be evaluated according to numbers and how much they  those who have gone through the training have drawn on their skill.

We shall be adding more detail over the next few weeks as the idea evolves.