Monitoring and evaluation material for Phase 4 of the Pathfinders Programme, prepared by Design South East.
Phase 4 (2024/25) of MHCLG’s Design Code Pathfinder Programme provided direct MHCLG support to a cohort of authorities developing theme‑based design codes, in line with the process set out in the National Model Design Code.
MHCLG worked with 12 local planning authorities, providing grant funding and extensive engagement (including 17 all‑Pathfinder sessions, 100+ 1‑to‑1 online meetings and 10 authority visits), with 10 draft codes in progress.
In parallel, MHCLG worked with Design South East who provided tailored expert advice and formal Design Code reviews. Their findings from Phase 4 have been collated into practical lessons and recommendations (covering scoping and procurement, evidence and analysis, engagement, vision, language and usability, coding and viability, testing and compliance, and digital aspirations), providing resources for local authorities to inform code development.
Design South East’s monitoring & evaluation report for Phase 4 of the Design Code Pathfinders programme can be found on their website here.