Co-designing the Tender Process
Academic Research at University College London (ENG) // 2024
Study developed with Farrid Shamsuddin, Jane Kyle, Mary Charlotte Tover, Namratha Mohan, and Victoria Fuller
To access the full study, shoot me a message
This study presents the outcomes of a set of workshops aimed at co-designing a tender/procurement process that prioritises community engagement and decision-making. Through a combination of desk research and in-person workshops, the team explored challenges faced by communities in the Edenham and Trellick Tower estates, and from these findings worked to develop strategies to effectively integrate community voices into procurement practices. This study advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive, transparent, and community-centric tender/procurement process that empowers residents and ensures their needs and voices are central to decision-making. By implementing the proposed strategies, authorities can enhance project outcomes, strengthen community cohesion, and build sustainable, thriving neighbourhoods.
Desk Research Findings
The methodology adopted for this study was multifaceted, incorporating diverse approaches. Initially, emphasis was placed on understanding theories regarding the use of civic design techniques for collaborative engagement with communities. This theoretical foundation was complemented by a desk-based research phase, aimed at clarifying prevailing issues encountered by communities.
Some of the resident's paint points were
Lack of Maintenance
Following its completion, Trellick Tower became subject to lack of attention with regard to both maintenance and security measures. Residents often felt unsafe and ignored.Top-Down Decision Making
Trellick and Edenham’s management, maintenance, and refurbishments are often made without sufficient input from residents, resulting in a misalignment between their needs and the actions of authorities.Lack of Response to Resident Requests
The lack of diverse and accessible communication channels leads to a feeling of exclusion and worsens the trust gap between residents and council.
Workshops
By visiting Trellick Tower and Edenhan for two days, the group aimed to delve into questions surrounding the responsiveness of procurement processes to community needs, the optimization of transparency and openness within these processes to incorporate ongoing community feedback, and the deployment of strategies to uphold alignment between development projects and community needs throughout their lifecycle. Key insights included:
Understanding what triggers the procurement process — covering urgent requirements such essential refurbishments, periodic needs assessments, and the continual demand for housing maintenance and repairs.
The council is perceived as offering delayed and often inadequate assistance rather than fostering genuine community involvement in local issue resolution
Dissatisfaction with existing feedback mechanism as it is perceived as generic
Residents have a preference for intra-community support networks over direct council assistance, underscoring a sense of trust and familiarity within the community
Opportunities
From the study conducted, some opportunities for improvements emerged. Examples include:
Residents Engaging at Different Levels depending on the stage of the tender process allows for tailored involvement according to the specific needs and circumstances of each phase.
Capacity Building & Paid Community Work — Residents who actively participate in these proposals should be compensated for their time and contributions. This acknowledgment of their efforts not only validates their input but also incentivises continued engagement in the tender process
Enhancement of Communication Channels by implementing inclusive online and offline multi-channel platforms can improve the flow of information. It also provides opportunities to participate in discussions and contribute to decision-making processes, fostering a more collaborative and cohesive community environment.
