Design Excellence Panel

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