Seven renowned figures from design, big business, sustainability, education and innovation have been appointed to strengthen and broaden the Council of the UK's national strategic body for design. From design guru Sebastian Conran to business leader Martin Temple, Chairman of the Engineering Employers Federation and Joe Ferry, Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic, the appointments mark a step-change in the Council's determination to drive through design-led transformation in UK businesses and public services.
The appointments were made by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, earlier today.
The full list of appointments is:
- Sebastian Conran, Managing Director, Studio Conran
- Joe Ferry, Head of Design, Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd
- Professor Alan Livingston CBE, Rector of University College Falmouth
- Professor Jeremy Myerson, Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre, Royal College of Art
- Professor Eddie Obeng, Founder of Pentacle Business School
- Martin Temple CBE, Chairman of the Engineering Employers Federation
- Sophie Thomas, Director and Co-founder of Thomas.Matthews Ltd
"Our new council members bring an unparalleled mix of talent, insight and experience which will be invaluable in helping the Design Council deliver our Good Design Plan," said Sir Michael Bichard, Chairman of the Design Council. "Their joining us sends a clear signal of support for our strategy to promote design's role in improving public services, helping SMEs to innovate to survive recession and in tackling issues such as sustainability, crime reduction, and healthcare associated infections."
Meeting approximately seven times a year, the Council is responsible for establishing the overall strategic direction of the organisation and for ensuring that the Design Council promotes the efficient and effective use of public funds. The Council also monitors and reviews how the organisation is performing against its aims and objectives.
The Chairman and Council members are appointed jointly by the DIUS and DCMS Secretaries of State. The Council appoints the Chief Executive (with the approval of sponsoring departments DIUS and DCMS) and makes certain that high standards of corporate governance, risk and financial management are applied at all times.
The Council will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the objectives set out by the Design Council in its three year plan, the Good Design Plan, published in July 2008. These are:
- Build the UK's capacity to innovate and deliver world-class brands, products and services by supporting the effective use of design in business and the public sector.
- Drive the development of new solutions to UK social and economic challenges and involve communities in designing local services.
- Boost high-level skills in design to support a competitive creative economy and a thriving UK design sector.
- Champion the value of good design and its importance to social and economic success.
- Be recognised as an exemplar design institution for our influence, impact and enterprise.