Design Council
Design Council's purpose is to make life better by design.We are an independent charity and the government's advisor on design. Our vision is a world where the role and value of design is recognised as a fundamental creator of value, enabling happier, healthier and safer lives for all. Through the power of design, we make better places, better products, better processes and better performance.
Activities & Mission
Design Council's purpose is to make life better by design.We are an independent charity and the government's advisor on design. Our vision is a world where the role and value of design is recognised as a fundamental creator of value, enabling happier, healthier and safer lives for all. Through the power of design, we make better places, better products, better processes and better performance.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £3,706,000 | £3,488,000 | £3,488,000 | £863,000 | £863,000 | 34 / 0 |
| 2024 | £3,636,000 | £3,946,000 | £3,946,000 | £645,000 | £456,000 | 37 / 0 |
| 2023 | £4,273,000 | £4,153,000 | £4,153,000 | £954,000 | £496,000 | 39 / 0 |
| 2022 | £4,518,338 | £4,776,888 | £4,776,888 | £834,378 | £468,000 | 38 / 0 |
| 2021 | £3,609,221 | £3,593,769 | £3,593,769 | £1,092,092 | £741,000 | 38 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Design Council
What does Design Council do?
Design Council's purpose is to make life better by design.We are an independent charity and the government's advisor on design. Our vision is a world where the role and value of design is recognised as a fundamental creator of value, enabling happier, healthier and safer lives for all. Through the power of design, we make better places, better products, better processes and better performance.
How much income did Design Council report in 2025?
Design Council reported total income of £3.71m and reported expenditure of £3.49m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was Design Council registered as a charity?
Design Council was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 13 October 1976 as charity number 272099. It has been registered for 50 years.
Who runs Design Council?
Design Council is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is Christopher William Eccleshare. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Design Council operate?
Design Council operates in England, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Design Council a registered charity?
Yes — Design Council is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 272099.
Details
c/o Sayer Vincent
110 Golden Lane
LONDON
EC1Y 0TG
Registry Information
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Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated