City of Toronto removes spec requirement following RGD advocacy
The RGD advocated against an RFP issued by the City of Toronto that included an ask for spec work.
The RFP, issued for the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer, was for a three-year design contract valued at up to $250,000. It required that suppliers design three inside pages of an annual report showcasing the theme “Enabling Cyber Success.”
A Toronto-based design firm estimated that fulfilling this request would cost between $3,750 and $7,000, depending on the agency’s hourly rate. This estimate did not include potential stock photography or illustration costs.
The RGD initially contacted the City about the RFP when it was first issued in November 2024 and received no response. It was reissued in January with the spec work requirement still included.
Despite initial resistance from the City, Hilary Ashworth, Executive Director of the RGD, brought further attention to the issue by posting about it on LinkedIn, which drew media attention. Several member agencies contacted the City to express their dissatisfaction. The RGD also reached out to the City's Chief Procurement Officer.
The City of Toronto revised the RFP in early February, removing the requirement for speculative work and instead requesting past work samples to assess agency capabilities—a more ethical and professional approach.
Speculative work is widely considered to be an unethical practice in the design industry, as it devalues the strategic creative process and requires unpaid labour. The RGD has long campaigned against spec work, advocating for hiring practices that recognize the value of professional design services.
The City’s decision to revise the RFP demonstrates the power of collective advocacy. The RGD extends its gratitude to everyone who shared the original post or contacted the City to voice their concerns. This outcome underscores the importance of education and advocacy in eliminating harmful business practices such as spec work.
Tag
Related Articles
Sponsored
