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Enabling

Our Design Workshops:
Helping deliver better projects and places

Our Enabling programme is the third pillar of our Place Building System and is intended to help regional developers plan, fund and deliver sustainable places, from small sites to larger developments.

The programme combines digital resources, expert enabling support and a clear three-workshop structure designed to help projects evolve from early concepts toward deliverable planning outcomes as detailed in our roadmap below.

This process will be supported by the Knowledge Hub and the wider Regional Building Forum network.

Our Enabling Programme Roadmap

1. Submission

Projects are submitted using a standard template that captures key information about the site, planning position, constraints, opportunities and development aims.

2. Registration and Knowledge Hub Access

Once accepted, projects formally join the Enabling Programme and gain access to The Knowledge Hub, including design guidance, pattern books, development principles and digital learning resources.

3. Workshop One:
Online Orientation

Participants take part in a series of online sessions with specialist enablers covering planning, transport, landscape, masterplanning, architecture, viability, construction, materials, sales and marketing. Early advice helps shape and refine proposals.

4. Workshop Two: 
In-Person Design Surgery

Participants attend an in-person collaborative workshop to review progress, test ideas and refine schemes in detail with the enabling panel.

5. Workshop Three:
Final Review

Final proposals are submitted for review, with support tailored to the disciplines most relevant to the scheme.

6. Optional RBF
Quality Mark

Projects completing the Enabling Programme may apply for the RBF Quality Mark, which recognises schemes aligned with the Foundation’s place-building principles and quality standards.

Our Enabling Programme aims to:

Build regional developer confidence through delivery

Establish the RBF quality mark nationwide

Apply the Hamlet Design Code

Digitise the Place Building System

Fast-track planning for 25–90 home schemes

Unlock 500–1,500 home developments with SME consortia

Create vibrant mixed-use areas with homes, workspaces and long-term value

Enabling Delivery Together

Membership

RBF membership is for organisations and individuals who want to participate actively in the Foundation's network, access its knowledge and programmes, and contribute to the delivery of better places.

Benefits Include:

  • Network access: membership of the RBF national and regional network.
  • Regional Forums: invitations to the Regional Forum relevant to your area.
  • Knowledge Exchange: access to RBF Knowledge Exchange sessions and learning activities.
  • Knowledge Hub: access to RBF tools, guidance, case studies and resources.
  • Events: priority invitations to selected RBF events, workshops and discussions.

Membership Options:

Individual Membership:
£1,000 per year

Company / Organisation Membership:
£2,500 per year, for up to three named representatives

Register