This paper explores how the concept of social capital can be adapted and used as a tool for participative evaluation of community based work. The paper draws on the authors’ experience of working with the Nottingham Social Action Research Project (SARP) as an example. It has influenced the delivery of community based project in several areas of Nottingham but also recently work in London and Leicester. It also influenced policy development with Leicester City Council and County Council which has developed their Local Area Agreement indicators for ‘Stronger and safer communities’ on the basis of this work.