Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bce-13f5-703f-8bc2-aa41392a479c/design-excellence-panel awarded GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Design Excellence Panel [West Midlands Combined Authority](https://tendernation.io/buyers/west-midlands-combined-authority) Estimated value Not stated Published 17 Apr 2026 Deadline Closed 7 Nov 2025 ## Who can bid - Open to suppliers based in West Midlands The buyer has limited bidding to suppliers with substantive operations in this area. [PPN 005: reserving by supplier location](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ppn-005-reserving-below-threshold-procurements/ppn-005-guide-to-reserving-below-threshold-html) - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable transport infrastructure that aligns with the region’s strategic objectives. Recognising the critical role of design in shaping user experience, safety, and long-term value, TfWM is establishing a Design Excellence Panel as a key mechanism to embed design thinking from the outset of project development. 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 (6) 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, welcoming and inclusive for all. 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 approximately twenty (20) individuals (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 - The Arts 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 - Contribute to post-occupancy evaluations and continuous improvement The Panel will not: - Override statutory or technical standards - Make decisions on budgets or procurement - Enforce recommendations-these remain advisory Read full description ## CPV classification Architectural design services Architectural, engineering and planning services Engineering design services Artistic services Urban planning and landscape architectural services Environmental engineering consultancy services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-055b19-2026-04-17T09:17:30+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-055b19-2026-04-17T09:17:30+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. 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