Independent Design Review Governance Review
An evidence-led review of independence, oversight, conflicts, transparency and reporting - with a clear record of strengths, material gaps and practical priorities.
A national, model-neutral service available across England.
Need independent assurance? Book a short scoping call or telephone 01395 265768.
Standard Governance Review
£4,750 + VAT
Fixed fee for a defined standard scope
Target issue within 15 working days of complete evidence and payment.
Book a 20-minute scoping callThis service is provided by Design Review Ltd, the company behind The Design Review Panel. That relationship is disclosed as relevant provenance; the service is model-neutral and available to organisations using any provider or an internal arrangement.
Read the independence safeguardsStart without a sales call
Three levels of support
Start with an evidence-led self-review, commission the defined independent review, or add wider evidence and senior assurance for a complex or higher-risk arrangement.
Recommended first step
£500 + VAT
A highly guided online assessment for teams that want to test one arrangement and turn the evidence into a credible action plan.
No independent opinion, report or assurance.
Most popular
Independent review
£4,750 + VAT
The defined, proportionate review for one legal entity and one design review arrangement.
Target issue within 15 working days.
Ready to proceed? Request a review date ↗Wider assurance
£13,500 + VAT
For shared, sensitive, high-profile or multi-party arrangements that need broader evidence and stronger senior assurance.
Final scope is confirmed before appointment.
Ready to proceed? Request a review date ↗Read the full published scope →The online Health Check does not require an appointment. For the Standard and Enhanced reviews, Acuity records the requested appointment immediately; a draft invoice is prepared in Xero for our check and then emailed to the billing contact. No card details are needed. The requested review date must be at least 21 calendar days ahead and remains provisional until the conflicts check is complete and cleared funds are received at least 14 calendar days before the evidence meeting.
Put the findings into practice
The Model Documents Pack provides ten adaptable templates for one organisation and one named arrangement. It is £450 + VAT on its own, or £850 + VAT when bundled with the Governance Health Check.
Why this matters
Design review arrangements often develop over time. Responsibilities shift, operating relationships become familiar and important safeguards may be understood informally rather than evidenced clearly.
The Governance Review provides an independent, proportionate examination of the framework behind the panel - without treating one delivery model as inherently superior.
Who it is for
Review an established panel, shared service or commissioned arrangement.
Evidence transparent oversight where design review supports public decision-making.
Test whether documented controls match day-to-day practice.
Strengthen governance around internal, external or partnership review.
When to commission
When setting up a new design review arrangement.
Before re-procuring, renewing or extending a panel contract.
Following a challenge to impartiality by an applicant, objector or member.
In response to an internal-audit, scrutiny or monitoring-officer query.
Before a contested major scheme attracts press or legal attention.
When a periodic governance review falls due.
Review scope
Every product uses the Design Review Governance Framework (v1.0), informed by the free, open-source Design Review Code of Conduct ↗and tailored to the organisation's chosen operating model.
A defensible arrangement needs a clear public purpose, remit, owner and relationship to decision making.
Independence must be visible in structures, incentives and the control of advice—not merely asserted.
Recorded identification and mitigation of actual, potential and perceived conflicts protects trust in the advice.
Public bodies need an authorised, aligned and reviewable basis for commissioning and funding the arrangement.
The quality and legitimacy of advice depend on fair appointment, relevant expertise, diversity and continuing competence.
Reviews add most value when the right schemes, people, format and timing are selected for recorded reasons.
Balanced briefing, clear roles and accessible participation allow a panel to understand context without compromising independence.
A consistent chaired process and protected reporting route turn multidisciplinary discussion into useful, traceable advice.
Public accountability depends on proportionate openness, lawful information handling and reliable records of how advice was produced.
Feedback, complaints, sample testing and performance review show whether the arrangement works and improves over time.
What you receive
Findings distinguish what is evidenced from what may merit further review. They explain why each point matters and identify proportionate next actions.
How it works
A short call confirms the organisation, arrangement, evidence base and any conflicts.
Core documents are provided through an agreed secure route and checked for completeness.
A focused evidence meeting tests how the documented controls operate in practice.
A concise report records the evidence, strengths, material gaps and proportionate priorities.
Senior stakeholders receive a practical briefing and one factual-correction opportunity.
Private self-check
Tick each statement you can support with current documents and practice. Nothing is submitted or stored. This is not a score, certificate or finding.
Carry the areas you have not ticked into a callback request so the first conversation is focused.
Who undertakes the review
Each review is led by Jonathan Braddick, Tim Burton or Andy Robbins. The lead is selected for relevant experience, availability and the outcome of an assignment-specific conflicts check.
Independence safeguards
No badge, compliance mark or permanent approved status.
No implication that another provider or delivery model is inferior.
Relevant common ownership and commercial interests are disclosed.
Design Review Ltd does not enter framework agreements with parties whose governance arrangements it reviews.
Findings are separated from any optional implementation appointment.
High-profile or contested assignments may receive external peer review.
Case studies are never published without express client permission.
Design Review Ltd separately provides design review services that are typically commissioned and funded by applicants. This interest is disclosed at appointment and has no bearing on the conduct or findings of a governance review.
Read the conflicts and independence policy →Questions
Design Review Ltd (company number 06512522), the company behind The Design Review Panel, is the contracting provider. Professional indemnity insurance is held and cover details are available on request. An assignment-specific conflicts check is completed before every appointment.
Not ready to book?
The booking pages are the fastest route. Use this form only if your procurement route, scope or timing needs a short conversation first.
