Urban Design Group Special General Meeting 2025
Free
At the Special General Meeting of the Urban Design Group held on Tuesday 30 April 2024, the members present agreed a new constitution for the Urban Design Group as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (until now an Unincorporated Charity), and for its submission to the Charity Commission for approval.
The Charity Commission approved the new constitution and on 18 December 2024 and registered the Charity with a new number: 1211478.
The purpose of this Special General Meeting is:
- to agree the next formal steps in the transition of the UDG from Unincorporated Charity to Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
- to confirm Geoff Noble as Trustee nominated by the UDG Editorial Board
- to elect a Chair Elect as Trustee, to take office as Chair of the UDG at the AGM in December 2025.
- to approve new subscription rates and to discuss the support given to Universities and Local Authorities
Agenda
0. To appoint a chair for the Special General Meeting
1. Business for UDG (Unincorporated Charity 326123):
1.1 Resolution: that the Urban Design Group (Unincorporated Charity 326123) should transfer its assets, debts and contractual liabilities to the new Urban Design Group (Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1211478).
1.2 Resolution: that, following the transition of the Urban Design Group from an Unincorporated Charity (326123) to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1211478), the said Unincorporated Charity 326123 should be dissolved. (2/3rds majority of those present at the SGM required) this to be confirmed by a second vote at the AGM in December 2025 (simple majority of those present required).
2. Business for UDG (Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1211478)
2.1 Resolution: to accept the assets, debts and contractual liabilities from UDG (Unincorporated Charity 326123).
2.2 Nominated Trustee - To ratify Geoff Noble as a trustee of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation nominated by the Editorial Board.
2.3 Membership Subscriptions
(a) General Membership Subscriptions: Proposal that the UDG membership subscriptions, which have not been increased since 1 June 2018 (just over 7 years ago), should be increased in line with inflation (CPI-H) with effect from 1 September 2025, and that they should be reviewed subsequently every two years. Please visit this page for the proposed rates.
(b) Universities and Local Authorities: To discuss how the Urban Design Group might better support these organisations in a changing financial world.
2.4 Election of Chair Elect of Urban Design Group.
Prospective candidates were invited to complete the online nomination form by Noon on Wednesday 9th July 2025. There is one candidate.
Hannah Smart, Recognised Practioner in Urban Design...
Manifesto
If we asked our members – what is Urban Design to you? We would all give a different answer - Urban Design is both broad in its remit and deeply personal. It is policy vs pavement. It is landscape vs lived experience. It is the space between the buildings, the buildings themselves and the quality of life within them.
As Chair Elect, I want to lead the UDG into a future that embraces richness of variety, bringing together our collective voice. I want to champion landscape-led, human-centred design that is rooted in accessibility, happiness and belonging. Urban Design must work for everyone from children to elders, from neurodivergent individuals to those with limited mobility and we must lead the way!
I want Urban Design to be better understood by the public, featured in mainstream news, debated in communities, and recognised for its role in shaping daily life. We need to demystify design and open it up to everyone.
With experience in inclusive placemaking and an award-winning accessibility initiative, I bring drive and strategic vision. Together, we can build a more visible, welcoming, and impactful UDG - one that leads with care, creativity and purpose in a world that changes every day.
3. Any Other Business
The Annual General Meeting is planned for December
