National parks were designated as protected landscapes for their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage – the special qualities that make them so important. We are one in a network of 15 national parks across the UK and part of a global network. We are an independent body funded by central government, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The purposes of our designation as a national park are to:

  • Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage

and

  • Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

If there is a conflict between these purposes, conservation takes priority. In carrying out the purposes, national park authorities should seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of local national park communities.

Our purpose is ‘To speak up for and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.’ Our values are:

  • Care: We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and those we serve
  • Enjoy: We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution
  • Pioneer: We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

The Authority’s work is structured around an organisational aim and our contribution to the National Park Management Plan (NPMP) aims. The aims are Climate Change, Landscape and Nature Recovery, Welcoming Place and Thriving Communities. The NPMP is a partnership plan for the place and is produced and delivered in collaboration with partners and local communities to conserve and enhance the National Park’s special qualities. Successful delivery of the NPMP will help us to achieve our vision. Whilst the Authority is instrumental in both the development and delivery of the NPMP, we work in partnership to deliver this plan.

There are 30 Members of the National Park Authority

these comprise of 16 who are appointed by county, district, city or borough councils with areas within the National Park, 6 ‘National Members’ who are appointed directly by the Secretary of State and 6 elected from Parish Councils within the National Park. All our members come from a range of backgrounds and offer a wealth of knowledge and experience and have a passion for the National Park.

We are the statutory Planning Authority for the National Park and dealt with over 1400 planning applications last year.

Ken Smith Chair

Phil Mulligan Chief Executive

Why the Peak District National Park Authority is supporting Boardroom Apprentice

We would like to support a Board Room Apprentice to help increase the diversity and inclusivity of our Members. In addition, this will broaden the background, skills and knowledge of our Membership. This scheme enables more people to engage with developing the policies and strategies that will shape the future of the National Park.

In return, we will support the Board Room Apprentice to make a full contribution to the Authority through providing our own new Member induction training and they would be able to attend all other training that is offered to all our Members. We will provide a Board Buddy so they have a mentor to guide them through Committee meeting etiquette and generally support them to feel able to contribute to the Authority.

Location of Board and Committee Meetings

Meetings are held in person at our main office at Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1AE

Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings

Authority meetings are held 6 times per year. Meetings are usually on Fridays and start at 10am. The meetings can last up to 1pm and occasionally to later.

Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)

7th February, 21st March, 9th May, 4th July, 26th September and 14th November 2025

Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January - December 2025)

Programmes and Resources Committee – 24th January, 25th April, 11th July, 12th September and 12th December 2025

Security checks

We do not request security checks but, the same as all our existing Members, we would expect the Board Room Apprentice to sign up to our Member Code of Conduct and complete a register of interests’ form. We may also ask them to sign a non-disclosure agreement, as they will be privy to some confidential information.

Payment of travel expenses

Yes