An independent shortlist of design studios with public-sector experience — government departments, agencies, executive-branch comms, NHS-adjacent communicators, and policy think tanks. Vetted by review of their public-sector portfolio, three references, no paid placements.
Why public-sector work needs its own shortlist
- Mandatory accessibility. Public-sector communications in most major markets are subject to accessibility law (UK PSBAR, EU EAA, US Section 508). Designs that don’t conform get rejected, full stop. The studios on this list build to AA+ from the start.
- Procurement workflow. Public-sector engagements typically run through framework agreements, mini-competitions, or formal pitch processes. Studios who haven’t been through this don’t understand the timelines or documentation. The studios on this list have been through it.
- Political scrutiny. Public-sector communications get read by the press, the opposition, and FOI requests. Source citations and methodological transparency aren’t optional — they’re the line between a piece that lands and a piece that becomes a press scandal.
Common project profiles
- Public-facing policy explainer. Often consumer-literacy targeted. £5–25k / $6–35k.
- Internal training / staff communications. NHS, civil service, military. £8–30k / $10–40k.
- Government department annual report or transparency report. £30–100k / $40–135k.
- Ministerial briefing visualisation. Typically restricted-distribution. £8–25k / $10–35k.
- Think-tank / policy-research visualisation. Often press-targeted. £6–20k / $8–28k.
The shortlist
Ranked entries below populate as our public-sector partner studios complete onboarding. Tell us your jurisdiction (UK / EU / US / ANZ / other) and we’ll prioritise studios with experience in that procurement environment.
Tell us what you need.
Three vetted studios in your inbox within one business day. No spam, no retainers, free.
Frequently asked
Are these studios on framework agreements?
Some are — particularly UK studios on Crown Commercial Service frameworks, US studios on GSA schedules. Mention your framework (CCS, GSA, ANZ AGSVA, etc.) and we’ll prioritise pre-approved suppliers.
Accessibility — what level?
Studios on this list build to WCAG AA at minimum. Specific public-sector deployments (e.g. UK PSBAR-covered) require ongoing conformance audits. Some studios offer Level AAA where required. Specify in your brief.
Security clearance?
For projects involving sensitive material (defence, intelligence, restricted policy), some studios on this list have cleared staff. Mention clearance requirements explicitly when you brief us.
Timeline through procurement?
Government procurement adds 4–12 weeks to typical commercial timelines. Plan accordingly. Studios on this list will work with your procurement team to navigate the process.
What about think-tanks specifically?
Many of the studios on this list also serve think-tanks (RAND, Brookings, IPPR, Resolution Foundation, etc.). The brief is similar in editorial style — restrained, source-cited — but procurement is faster and more commercial.