The Board of Civic Voice has today announced a significant and positive evolution in the organisation’s future operations, following a period of careful reflection and engagement with its membership.
Having considered a range of options and listened closely to member views at the Annual General Meeting in Birmingham on 8 November 2025, an online meeting later that month and a subsequent hybrid update meeting held on 24 January 2026, the Board has agreed a clear way forward that will enable Civic Voice to continue serving its vital purpose as the national champion for local pride and place.
At the heart of this renewed direction is a commitment to become a truly volunteer-led organisation, focused on empowering civic action at local, county, regional and national levels. This approach reflects both the strength of the civic network itself and the Board’s determination to ensure Civic Voice remains resilient, inclusive and impactful in a rapidly changing civic and policy environment.
Civic Voice will continue to champion the values on which it was founded: supporting community placemaking, protecting heritage, and acting as the voice of the citizen planner. By placing volunteers and networks at the centre of its model, the organisation will strengthen its role as the natural partner for communities seeking to shape the places they care about, while amplifying local voices in national conversations about planning, place and civic pride.
As part of this renewed approach, membership of Civic Voice will be opened more broadly to individuals as well as to a diverse range of organisations operating within the civic space. This reflects the Board’s belief that civic engagement thrives when barriers to participation are lowered and when a wide range of perspectives are welcomed and supported.
The Board has also committed to consulting fully with members on a significant review of Civic Voice’s membership fee structure. The aim of this review will be to ensure that no individual or organisation is excluded from participation based on cost, and that membership arrangements are fair, proportionate and supportive of the organisation’s volunteer-led ethos.
Alongside structural changes, Civic Voice will place a strong emphasis on connection and collaboration across the civic movement. The development and use of accessible online tools to facilitate the sharing of best practice will be actively encouraged. By enabling member organisations and groups to learn from one another, Civic Voice aims to foster greater cohesion and confidence across the network, ensuring that local experience informs regional and national debate, and that innovation and success can be shared widely.
The Board recognises the dedication, experience and goodwill within the civic movement and believes that this renewed focus will allow Civic Voice to build on its legacy while adapting to future challenges and opportunities.
Further details on membership, consultation arrangements and the next steps in implementing this volunteer-led model will be shared with members in due course.
A working party to undertake a full Strategic Review has been commissioned by the Board. This will lead to a new constitution and the formation of a CIO to better serve the organisation in the future.
Where there are no regional groups we are seeking volunteers on a county-by-county basis to create, maintain and link societies to facilitate quick dissemination of relevant information and share good practice and ideas.