LATEST NEWS

NEWS FROM CIVIC VOICE

Concealment of public comments on planning portals

Concealment of public comments on planning portals

6 October 2025 , 10:19

Civic Voice has undertaken a small-scale study of the publication of comments on local planning portals. That study has revealed a consistent pattern of preferences amongst civic societies. Societies want transparency in the publication of all comments, but also agree…

AGM and the future of Civic Voice

AGM and the future of Civic Voice

22 September 2025 , 10:49

Trustees would like to clarify the arrangements for the AGM on 8 November, which is in person in Birmingham. The first part of the meeting will be an opportunity for members to discuss Civic Voice’s future and consider a number…

Changes at Civic Voice

Changes at Civic Voice

27 August 2025 , 15:12

The Civic Voice Board has announced the resignation of its Chief Executive, Rob Hattersley, from early November. Co Chair Robert Osborne said: “Since February 2025, Rob has done a tremendous of amount of work in resolving many basic financial and…

Civic Voice Directory

Civic Voice Directory

6 August 2025 , 07:05

We’ve launched our new Members’ Directory. Check it out to see the geographic spread of the civic movement in England – making places better together. Get in touch if:-

Refreshed Heritage Funding Directory

Refreshed Heritage Funding Directory

28 July 2025 , 16:50

The Heritage Alliance, of which Civic Voice is a member, has launched a refreshed funding directory which is free to use. Whether you’re seeking grants for conservation projects, community heritage initiatives, or organisational development, this directory will prove very useful.…

Our Place, Our Voice

Our Place, Our Voice

23 July 2025 , 07:42

Two years ago, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke about the importance of oracy and committed to embedding it in the national curriculum. Now, in the lead up to the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment review, a coalition…

Civic Voice co chair attends annual Historic England reception

Civic Voice co chair attends annual Historic England reception

17 July 2025 , 15:16

Robert Osborne, co chair of trustees at Civic Voice, attended the annual reception for Historic England on 8th July. Amongst the speeches were CEO Duncan Wilson, who is standing down in September, Lord Mendoza (chair), and Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross.…

80% trustees recommend the role says Charity Commission research

80% trustees recommend the role says Charity Commission research

15 July 2025 , 13:33

New research from the Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics shows the vast majority of trustees are “immensely positive” about their experience, with 8 in 10 trustees likely to recommend the role to others. This comes at a time when…

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

NEWS FROM MEMBER SOCIETIES

Changing scenes in Peterborough – Civic Day 2025

Changing scenes in Peterborough – Civic Day 2025

25 June 2025 , 07:30

As part of national Civic Day on 14 June 2025, Peterborough Civic Society’s Toby Wood spent time in the city centre taking photos to celebrate and commemorate a single day. See Toby’s record here.

Summer in Shrewsbury

Summer in Shrewsbury

25 June 2025 , 07:26

Shrewsbury Civic Society have published their summer newsletter. It’s packed full of news, events and exhibitions, including a return of a set of popular pub tours. Be inspired here!

What’s your favourite Stamford Street?

What’s your favourite Stamford Street?

16 June 2025 , 07:53

Asking residents and visitors to vote for their favourite street in Stamford was how one local Civic Society engaged the public in Civic Day on 14th June. Stamford Civic Society spoke to over 300 people, including a surprising number of…

Leominster engineer celebrated by Blue Plaque

Leominster engineer celebrated by Blue Plaque

13 June 2025 , 10:11

Leominster Civic Society have recently installed a Blue Plaque on Leominster Railway Station to commemorate Arthur Peppercorn, one of the foremost Chief Engineers of the London, North Eastern Railway. Born in Stoke Prior just outside Leominster, he designed the A1 and A2 locomotives.…

Halifax Civic Trust hands awards to Halifax Jeweller and Halifax Bus Station

Halifax Civic Trust hands awards to Halifax Jeweller and Halifax Bus Station

23 May 2025 , 14:28

Halifax Civic Trust Awards have been made since 1992 to encourage high-quality design and craftsmanship in schemes in Halifax and the surrounding countryside. Winning projects have included restored mills, the Peoples Park, houses, shops and warehouses, new schools, medical centres and housing,…

Vote for your favourite street

Vote for your favourite street

19 May 2025 , 14:55

Stamford Civic Society is planning a ‘vote for your favourite street’ event to celebrate Civic Day on Saturday 14th June 2025. Society members will be in the busy High Street running a stall between 1030 and 1400. They hope to…

Make space for life: Maidenhead Society newsletter updates on conservation successes

Make space for life: Maidenhead Society newsletter updates on conservation successes

15 May 2025 , 07:29

Civic pride is not only about the built environment. It includes communities working together to protect and enhance local nature, with huge benefits to the human population too. Read more from Maidenhead Civic Society in their latest newsletter here.

Is the democratic process working with Local Authorities?

Is the democratic process working with Local Authorities?

15 May 2025 , 07:22

Derek Wilson, Chair, Maidenhead Civic Society Our society constantly responds to planning applications monthly, expressing views and concerns about local development schemes. However, the local planning authority does not consider the Civic Society a statutory consultee within the planning process.…

« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »

REGIONAL CIVIC NETWORKS

London Forum now on BlueSky

London Forum now on BlueSky

2 April 2025 , 17:49

The London Forum – the network for civic and amenity societies across London – is now on the BlueSky, the social media platform, at @londonforum.org.uk. They encourage members to follow them there. The Forum’s latest postings also appear on their website, with…

« Previous 1 2

EXTERNAL NEWS

Heritage creates jobs and opportunities

Heritage creates jobs and opportunities

8 August 2025 , 09:35

Heritage is for everyone, says The Heritage Alliance, of which Civic Voice is a member. The sector offers genuine social mobility through accessible career routes that don’t require traditional academic qualifications, it employs people in all parts of the UK,…

It’s not just about building houses – communities need infrastructure to grow

It’s not just about building houses – communities need infrastructure to grow

4 August 2025 , 09:07

Referencing an original article by Harriet Grant last Sunday on The Guardian, “No shops, no schools’: homes in England built without basic amenities“, planners and developers need to engage landscape architects early, writes Carolin Göhler of The Landscape Institute in…

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce deaths and injuries by over a third

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce deaths and injuries by over a third

1 August 2025 , 10:06

A study by the University of Westminster based on 117 LTNs in London shows that the number of those killed or seriously injured reduces by a third after a low traffic neighbourhood is introduced. The study also shows that motor…

‘Darkening’ cities is as important for wildlife as greening them

‘Darkening’ cities is as important for wildlife as greening them

30 July 2025 , 08:58

Nick Dunn, Lancaster University For billions of years, life has depended on Earth’s rhythm of day and night. DNA codifies body clocks in all animals and plants, which helps their cells act according to this cycle of light and dark.…

Nature Towns and Cities launches with £15million investment

Nature Towns and Cities launches with £15million investment

29 July 2025 , 16:57

Everyone should have access to public parks and green spaces in their daily lives. Through its Nature Towns and Cities initiative, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded grants to 19 partnership projects – from Bradford to Belfast – to bring…

Barnet Playing Fields saved from development

Barnet Playing Fields saved from development

29 July 2025 , 12:49

Following a local campaign, supported by CPRE London, Barnet Council voted against Barnet Football Club’s plans for a new stadium. The club proposed to build a new stadium on the nine-acre green space, which has long been used by the whole community.…

Refreshed Heritage Funding Directory

Refreshed Heritage Funding Directory

28 July 2025 , 16:50

The Heritage Alliance, of which Civic Voice is a member, has launched a refreshed funding directory which is free to use. Whether you’re seeking grants for conservation projects, community heritage initiatives, or organisational development, this directory will prove very useful.…

Childrens’ freedom to play in the built environment

Childrens’ freedom to play in the built environment

22 July 2025 , 09:20

Children play everywhere. Yet their right to play – protected by a UN convention – is constantly challenged by adults, writes Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield. Play is crucial to support children’s holistic development in cognitive, emotional, physical…

« Previous 1 2 3 … 5 6 Next »

CIVIC VIEWPOINTS

No posts were found.

Search, subscribe or submit news

SUBMIT NEWS

We welcome relevant news items from our members or partners. We retain discretion over publication.

CIVIC UPDATE

Sign up to CIVIC UPDATE for a summary of recent posts every few weeks, right in your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in each email, and we will never share your details externally.

CONTACT

Email: info@civicvoice.org.uk

Civic Voice

70 Cowcross Street

London

EC1M 6EJ

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT

GOVERNANCE DETAILS

Charity registration number in England & Wales: 1134476

Company number: 07142946

Privacy Policy