Design Process Protocol

The Design Process Protocol sets out a common process that local authorities need to follow through each stage of their engagement with PfS. Following this protocol will mean that PfS will be able to effectively support design activities and make sure that 'deliverables' will offer the most suitable levels of support to the Strategy for Change (SfC), Outline Business Case (OBC) and the procurement and operational stages of a BSF project. Deliverables are the required reports, studies, appraisals and other documentation that local authorities must complete to successfully pass through approval processes at various stages of a BSF project.

The protocol includes design templates (see template links below), derived from examples of current BSF projects in the SfC and OBC stages. We feel that they exemplify the level of information required for each stage. They are of course provided as guidance, and to assist the local authority and their advisors in their own work. They define the minimum typical content expected for site analysis, option appraisal, control options and for phasing of the SfC and OBC stages. The circumstances of each option may mean that additional information will need to be provided to reassure the local authority, and PfS, that the options across the Wave are affordable. This is particularly the case at OBC, where PfS will also need to have sufficient information to be able to agree any abnormals allocation, and to have confidence that this, together with the local authority's design strategy, will deliver the best design quality.

Templates A - Tight Urban Site
Templates B - Urban Site
Templates C - Split Site

In the table below text that is coloured red signifies that example templates can be found in each of the Design Templates listed above.

Project Stages	Design Related Client Team Activities	Deliverables to PfS	Core NPT Activities	Approval
Strategy for Change part 2 (SfC2) All Schools in the Wave	Update AMP Analysis High Level Estate Strategy to support SfC1 School Visions and Design Brief - Stakeholders Identify level of New Build, Remodelling / Refurbishment Desktop Surveys Consultation with Planners Check land ownership FAM	Existing Site Plan / Analysis Option Appraisals Estate Strategy Map Initial Control Option Sustainability - Estate Strategy Approach to FM and FF&E FAM	Visit LA Sample Schools Review Estate Strategy and assumptions Review FAM	SfC 2 Approval
Outline Business Case (OBC) All Schools in the Wave	Option Appraisal Strategic Briefing Process Detailed Site Surveys Programme Profile Abnormals and FAM	Updated Site Plan/Analysis Strategic Brief Remodelled Floor Plans Proposed Control Option/Site Plan Massing Study (Optional) Phasing Strategy Planning Brief/Outline consents Schedule of Accommodation for Refurbishment Projects Sustainability - Estate Strategy Abnormal Proforma FAM	Review Deliverables in OBC Identify Abnormal Funding Agree FAM Discuss DQI for schools Check Technical Advisers Costs	OBC Approval - OJEU Notice
Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) Sample Schools	DQI Fave Compile Final Brief / Output Specification School Specific Aspirations	Updated Control Option, if different to OBC DQI FAVE Report Detailed Brief Output Specification Volume 2	Ensure Facilitation Briefing DQI for Sample Schools	Shortlist of Bidders Selected
Invitation to Continue Dialogue (ITCD) Sample Schools	Design Evaluation Bidders Engagement with Schools Bidders (x3) Initial Proposals Evaluation and Clarification of Bids	Bidders Design Proposals CABE Review Panel Schedule of Accommodation	Attend last stage design review meetings with bidders Enforce remedial action if required	End of Competitive Dialogue
Invitation to Submit Final Bids (ITSFB) Sample Schools	Bidders (x2) Final Proposals			Preferred Bidder Selected
Preferred Bidder Sample Schools	DQI - Design Evaluation Design Clarification Full Planning Permission	Final Design Proposals FBC Benchmarking Proforma (PFI & D&B)		Final Business Case (FBC) Establish Local Education Partnership (LEP)
Post Occupation Evaluation (POE)	DQI POE	POE DQI Report BREEAM Report Benchmarking Proforma Outturn Costs (D&B