The trust operated from two main offices, in London and Liverpool and supported a national network of civic societies.

It ran the Civic Trust Regeneration Unit, which supported urban renewal through programmes addressing issues of concern such as "the night time economy".

It helped establish conservation areas and coordinate Heritage Open Days.

The Civic Trust Awards was established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, urban design, landscape and public are which improve the quality of life for local communities.

Whilst the Civic Trust as an umbrella organisation went into administration in April 2009, the Civic Trust Awards have continued as an independent scheme operating on a not-for-profit basis as a Community Interest Company.