Recognising the critical role of design in shaping user experience, safety and long-term value, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is calling for tenders for the creation of a design excellence panel as a key mechanism to embed design thinking from the outset of project development. TfWM is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive and sustainable transport infrastructure that aligns with the region’s strategic objectives and the panel is being created to ensure that future infrastructure delivers on these criteria.
According to TfWM, the panel will act as a critical friend to project teams, offering independent, expert advice at key stages of the project lifecycle. It will support the delivery of TfWM’s Local Transport Plan and its six Big Moves, ensuring that all schemes, whether rail, bus, tram, or active travel, are functional, inclusive and contextually responsive. The panel will champion a co-design approach, fostering collaboration across disciplines and with communities to create places that are accessible, safe and welcoming for all, particularly women, girls and disabled people.
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The design excellence panel will operate initially under a three-year programme, with periodic reviews to ensure its continued relevance and impact. Workshops will be held bi-monthly, with flexibility to increase frequency based on project demand. Site visits will be arranged as required to support a ‘no site boundary’ approach, encouraging consideration of wider spatial and social context.
The panel will consist of about 20 members drawn from a diverse range of disciplines, including architecture, landscape architecture, inclusive design, heritage and conservation, urban planning, civil and structural engineering, public health, sustainability, access consultancy, place curation and the arts.
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Panel members must either live in or have demonstrable experience working within the West Midlands, ensuring a strong understanding of local context and community needs. The panel will: provide design assurance aligned with TfWM’s strategic goals; champion inclusive, safe and sustainable design; support the development of design guides; promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge-sharing; and contribute to post-occupancy evaluations and continuous improvement. The panel won’t: override statutory or technical standards; make decisions on budgets or procurement; or enforce recommendations – these will remain advisory.
The estimated total value of the tender is £240,000, including VAT. The contract is expected to run from 9 February 2026 to 8 February 2027, with a possible extension to 8 February 2029. The deadline for enquiries is 5pm on 31 October 2025 and the tender submission deadline is 5pm on 7 November 2025.
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Further details can be found here.