Members of Civic Voice have approved updated Articles of Association, following the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 18 July 2026, as they support its ‘clear statement of what Civic Voice exists to do’.
Civic Voice writes:
The Articles are the formal governing document for Civic Voice. They set out our charitable purpose, how the organisation is governed, the role and rights of member civic societies, how Trustees are appointed and elected, and how members can participate in the organisation’s decision-making. The updated Articles are attached to this post so that every member society can see the framework under which Civic Voice will operate.
A clear purpose for Civic Voice
At the heart of the Articles is a clear statement of what Civic Voice exists to do. Our charitable objects include:
- leading and representing the national movement of civic societies and amenity groups;
- connecting local action with national policy and helping to shape decision-making;
- protecting and improving the built, historic and natural environment;
- promoting civic pride and appreciation of the distinctive character of our places;
- supporting sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities;
- promoting high standards of planning, design, development and place management;
- building the skills, capacity and confidence of the civic movement; and
- encouraging informed public participation and accountability in planning and decision-making.
These objectives provide a strong foundation for Civic Voice’s next chapter. They recognise both the importance of what happens locally and the value of civic societies speaking collectively at regional and national level.
Keeping members at the heart of Civic Voice
The Articles confirm that membership of Civic Voice is centred on civic societies. Each member society has the right to appoint a representative who may attend, speak and vote at general meetings. The Articles also provide for proxy voting and enable the Board, where appropriate, to authorise postal or electronic ballots. Importantly, the Articles also give members a mechanism to bring issues forward. Ten or more member societies, or another number determined by the Board, can require an advisory resolution to be placed on the agenda of an AGM, subject to the requirements set out in the Articles. Although such a resolution is advisory rather than binding, the Board is required to provide a reasoned response. This provides another route through which the experience and priorities of local civic societies can help influence the national organisation.
A Board rooted in the civic movement
The Articles provide for up to nine elected Trustees who are members of civic societies, alongside up to three co-opted Trustees. Candidates for elected Trustee positions must be nominated by a member civic society and may provide information about their background and the contribution they believe they can make to Civic Voice. Trustees normally serve a four-year term and may serve a second four-year term, with provisions covering exceptional circumstances and particular officer roles. This structure is intended to combine democratic accountability to the membership with the ability to bring additional skills and experience onto the Board where these are needed.
Stronger connections across the country
The Articles also give the Board the ability to establish committees, advisory panels and regional forums. This provides Civic Voice with a flexible framework through which members can become more involved in particular subjects, projects or regional issues. For an organisation whose strength ultimately comes from hundreds of civic societies working in very different communities, those connections matter.
Good governance and accountability
The Articles contain the normal safeguards expected of a modern charity and company limited by guarantee. They cover matters including conflicts of interest, Trustee responsibilities, financial reporting, the keeping of proper records, general meetings and voting arrangements. They also make clear that Civic Voice’s income and property must be used to further its charitable objectives. The liability of member organisations remains limited, with each member’s guarantee restricted to a maximum of £1 in the event of the charity being wound up.
What happens next?
Approving the Articles gives Civic Voice the constitutional framework within which we can continue developing the organisation. But Articles of Association are only a framework. What makes Civic Voice effective will continue to be the participation of its members: sharing experience, contributing ideas, joining discussions, standing for election, participating in regional and national activity and helping us make the case for stronger civic involvement in the places where we live. We want Civic Voice to be an organisation that is with its members, shaped by its members and capable of speaking confidently on behalf of the civic movement. Thank you to everyone who participated in the EGM and in the discussions that led to the adoption of the updated Articles.
To access the articles go here
