The power of design
We are an independent charity championing the power of design to drive economic growth, improve lives, and build a sustainable future.
For over 80 years, we have expanded the understanding and use of design across the public and private sectors, academia and education.

Driven by our mission Design for Planet, we harness the power of design to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy and equitable society, advancing our purpose to improve lives through design.


We shape the future of design
Equipping designers and businesses with practical tools and industry-leading training, preparing the next generation to thrive.
We unlock the value of design
Partnering with public and private sectors to embed design, to create stronger, more innovative products, systems, and services.
We advocate for the power of design
Producing powerful evidence of design’s economic and social impact. Through research, policy engagement and storytelling, we create momentum for design to drive systemic change.

“
If you’re not designing for planet, what planet are you on?”
Kate Raworth Author, Doughnut Economics
Opportunities to Partner



Skills for Planet
Training and resources to upskill 1 million designers by 2030 to drive the Green Transition.
Next Gen Designers
Initiatives and campaigns to expand access to design education and careers powered by a national network of educational and industry partners.
Value of Design
Data-driven research and capability building, evidencing the value of design and supporting its contribution to the UK’s economy and society.

Experts Network
Join the Movement
We collaborate with a national network of 200+ design experts, universities, and youth programmes to shape cutting-edge research and expand our reach.
Platforms
We create spaces where the design community meets decision-makers. Our events bring designers, policy makers and industry leaders together to share insights and spark change.
Policy and Action
We lead focused projects and expert taskforces to tackle major societal challenges. Through co-creation and real world testing we turn ideas into scalable solutions.
“
Design is at the heart of innovation, economic growth and the skills we need for the future.”

Sir Chris Bryant Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries
Opportunities to Partner
Skills for Planet
The Design Council’s Skills for Planet mission will upskill one million UK designers by 2030 with the green skills needed to lead design-led innovation for a sustainable future.
At its core is the Skills for Planet Blueprint, a practical framework that embeds sustainability into everyday design. Delivered through training, workshops, partnerships and tools, it empowers designers to drive change across sectors.
The Blueprint focuses on six pillars:
● Regenerating Nature
● Embedding Circularity
● Eliminating Emissions
● Empowering Green Communities
● Influencing Green Behaviour
● Evaluating Green Impact

Skills for Planet Partnership
Skills for Planet Circle
Support our campaign to reach 1 million designers by 2030, including partnerships with educational providers, government, sustainability organisations and industry media and event platforms.
Design for Planet Festival
Partner with us to deliver our annual two-day gathering of designers, industry, government, academia and sustainability experts to drive forward the conversation and action on design’s role in the transition to net zero.
Blueprint Course
Support our open-access online course for designers across all sectors to gain accreditations in green design skills, with course content delivered by world-leading industry specialists and academics.
“

I’m very proud to say that UK government stands firmly behind the Design Council’s Skills for Planet mission”
Rt Hon Ian Murray MP Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology
Next Gen Designers
Next Gen Designers is the Design Council’s commitment to expand and diversify the pipeline of design talent across the UK.
Through campaigns, partnerships and prizes, we open access to high-quality, future-ready design education, from school-age children and further education students to those entering, returning to, or retraining for design careers.
By removing barriers of accessibility, opportunity and representation, we are creating a diverse and inclusive design workforce that reflects society, fuels innovation and drives sustainable growth for generations to come.

Next Gen Designers Partnership
Next Gen Designers Circle
Join a leading network of partners championing diversity, equity and inclusion in design. Work with us to develop initiatives and campaigns to ensure universal access to high-quality design education and grow a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline.
New Designers Award & Panel
Co-brand the Design Council Award at New Designers, including a panel discussion and opportunity to meet the award winner. Including designer stipend for product development.
Educational Partnerships
Collaborate with us to expand our work with universities and education providers, giving learners of all ages the skills and opportunities to thrive in the future economy. Together, we’ll ensure the next generation of designers is prepared to lead and innovate.
Partner Opportunity Value of Design
Value of Design provides up-to-date data and evidence on the contribution of design to the UK. It comprises our Design Economy research and Design Academy capability programme.
Through reports, thought leadership, taskforces, training and targeted advocacy, we illustrate design’s contribution to society, including in driving economic growth, the net zero transition and effective delivery of public services and infrastructure projects.
1.97 million
People working in the design industry
£97.2 billion
Gross Value added
Value of Design Partnership
Value of Design Circle
Shape the future of the UK design sector and demonstrate design’s vital role in driving economic growth and the net zero transition. By joining the Value of Design Circle, you can support thought-leadership and policy influence, sponsor annual Design Economy research, or co-create new research connecting design and green growth.
UK Design Economy Annual Lecture
Position your organisation at the forefront of the national design conversation. Support our flagship event, which unveils the latest data on design’s impact while convening senior leaders from industry, government, academia, and the media to shape the UK’s design agenda.
Design Academies
Support the delivery of cross-sectoral professional training resources and materials, enabling businesses, the public sector, and UK regions to use design to achieve better outcomes and accelerate growth.

Commissioned Work
Alongside public-facing Value of Design initiatives, the Design Council works with businesses and public sector organisations to facilitate in-house design programmes.
In-house Design Academy
Through bespoke programmes of workshops, learning, and collaborative challenges, equip your team to use design-led thinking to tackle complex challenges.
Design Audit
Evaluate how design principles, and capabilities are applied across your organisation’s teams and functions, identifying opportunities to improve innovation and efficiency.
Design Review
We deliver design reviews for nationally significant infrastructure projects across the UK, helping to improve the quality of the natural and built environment.

“
The Design Council has led the world through its standard setting, its international connectivity and its convenorship”
Professor Christopher Smith Executive Chair, Arts and Humanities Research Council
Who we are Ambassadors
28+ world-renowned design advocates


Experts
200+ designers and thinkers: a curated community of leading design professionals across the UK


Team 30+ design, events and skills specialists







Our Trustees
Our Trustees bring deep expertise, leadership, and insight to guide the Design Council’s strategic direction and ensure we deliver on our mission with integrity and impact.

Ben Ramalingam
Chief Strategic Development Officer UNICEF UK


Jonquil Hackenberg


Keith Morgan CBE
Former CEO

Paul Monaghan
Founding Director
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris


Prof. Elena Marco
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Arts, Technology & Environment
University of the West of England
Chief Executive Ellen MacArthur Foundation Tom Crawford
British Business Bank


Sadaf Hosseini
Head of Growth, Partnerships and Innovation Ecosystems at UpLink
World Economic Forum
Global Head of Sustainability Vodafone
Our Reach & Impact
Through our programmes, partnerships, and thought leadership, the Design Council reaches and influences a broad and diverse audience from government and industry to educators, practitioners, and communities.
Our Partners
We believe the most powerful outcomes are created together. By partnering with visionary organisations, we connect design with policy, industry and communities, creating the conditions for design to thrive across sectors, regions and generations.






Partnering with Design Council
Join us in shaping the future of design. Together, we drive bold innovation, nurture exceptional talent, and pioneer solutions that create lasting impact across industries and communities.
Network Partner
Skills Champion
Join a Circle
Join forces to explore new ideas, build your network and support our thought leadership, data & evidence, and advocacy work to build a stronger design ecosystem.
Play a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around design’s future. Collaborate with the Design Council to co-create high profile events, campaigns and awards that align with your strategic priorities and engage key audiences across sectors.
Invest in impactful training, resources, and initiatives that enhance design skills and broaden access nationwide, helping to build a more capable, diverse, and innovative design workforce.

“
For too long creativity has been the missing ingredient in the urgent conversations about the future of our planet”
Thomas Heatherwick Founder, Heatherwick Studio
partnerships@designcouncil.org.uk
designcouncil.org.uk