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Celebrating our Heritage • Enhancing our Environment • Shaping our Future

Ian Harvey becomes Vice-President of Civic Voice

Civic Voice is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Harvey as Vice-President, made during the Civic Voice AGM on 7 December 2024 in London. This marks a significant moment as Ian transitions from his role as Executive Director to lead the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University in the New Year.

Ian co-founded Civic Voice in 2010 and has since been a driving force behind its growth into a dynamic network of hundreds of civic societies and community groups, representing over 70,000 individuals. His leadership has shaped national conversations around civic pride, planning, and heritage, making Civic Voice a key advocate for local communities across England.

Ian’s achievements  include:

  • Grew Civic Voice to represent hundreds of civic societies and community groups, uniting over 70,000 individuals in advocating for better places.
  • Represented the civic movement on the First World War Memorial Programme and with Ministers, MPs and members of the Royal Family
  • Introduced National Civic Day and Civic Voice Design Awards, nationwide celebrations of community pride and engagement, inspiring thousands of local activities.
  • Played a pivotal role in key policy areas, contributing to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission, and consultations on the Planning White Paper and Permitted Development Rights.
  • Additionally, served as Secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Civic Societies, amplifying the civic movement’s voice in Parliament.
  • Built strong alliances with organisations such as Historic England, The Royal Town Planning Institute and the National Association of Local Councils, and other heritage and planning bodies, ensuring communities have a seat at the table in shaping policy and practice.

Griff Rhys Jones, Civic Voice’s President, praised Ian during the AGM “Ian has transformed the civic movement in ways that will leave a lasting legacy. His energy, creativity, and ability to inspire people have been the driving force behind Civic Voice’s success. I know he will continue to make a difference as Vice President and beyond.”

Reflecting on his appointment and transition, Ian Harvey said “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Vice President of an organisation so close to my heart. Civic Voice has always been about empowering communities to come together and make their voices heard. As I prepare to take on my new role at the Institute of Place Management, I look forward to continuing my support of Civic Voice in this new capacity.”

This appointment demonstrates Civic Voice’s commitment to continuity and innovation as it looks to the future of pride of place and community engagement.