CSD researches procurement

The Chartered Society of Designers is commissioning independent research in a bid to change Government policy towards the procuring of design consultants.

The initiative is masterminded by CSD president Nick Jenkins. According to Jenkins, the Design Business Association will be closely associated with the project, a step towards Jenkins’ declared ambition for the two bodies to merge (DW 28 June).

The CSD will appoint a “freelance academic with knowledge of design procurement” to conduct the research, says Jenkins. Results are expected in six months’ time, after which Jenkins hopes to approach Government ministers.

“I want to get some guidelines about the buying of design for departments across the board,” he says, adding that he cannot reveal the budget for the project.

“Both sides of the equation will be interviewed, the people responsible for procurement in the Government and the design consultants who work for Government in all areas, from graphics to environmental design,” explains Jenkins.

A steering committee will be set up in two weeks, to include representatives from the DBA and engineering design bodies.

(See News Analysis, page 9).