The UK XFEL project is now mid-way through its three-year Conceptual Design and Options Analysis (CDOA) phase. The purpose of this phase is to develop concepts to meet the required ‘next-generation’ XFEL capabilities identified in the project’s peer-reviewed Science Case, developed by UK scientists. The envisaged next-generation features are a step-change in both the number of simultaneous experiments and in their capability – through multiple, combinable FEL sources delivering transform limited pulses across a wide range of photon energies and pulse durations, together with a comprehensive array of synchronised sources including high power lasers and particle beams. The project is assessing options to achieve this either via a new UK-based facility or by investment at existing XFELs, based on criteria that include performance, cost, and environmental sustainability. The project is holding a series of Town Hall meetings and workshops around the UK (see https://xfel.ac.uk) and is expanding collaborations nationally and internationally.