Dartmoor National Park Authority

National Park Authority Members

Where do Members come from?

The National Park Authority comprises 22 members. Six Members are appointed by Devon County Council (external link, opens new window), and six by the District Councils (three from West Devon Borough Council (external link, opens new window), two from Teignbridge District Council (external link, opens in new window) and one from South Hams District Council (external link, opens new window). The remaining ten Members are Government appointees. Four of these represent parish council interests and are nominted by the parish councils on Dartmoor. The nominations are then approved by the Secretary of State. The other six Members are directly appointed by the Secretary of State for national interests and are persons, usually local, with specialist knowledge of, or a particular interest in, the National Park. Members are usually appointed for an initial period of up to 4 years with the option of re-appointment for a period of up to ten years and help provide the balance of local and national interests that is essential to the management of a National Park. Advice on how individuals can be nominated for appointment by the Secretary of State is available from Defra or the Chief Executive (National Park Officer).

In appointing Members to the National Park Authority, constituent Councils must pay regard to the desirability of appointing members who represent wards situated wholly or partly within the National Park.

Who are the Members?

Here is a list of Members. You can contact Members via the National Park Authority headquarters or directly.

What do Members do?

The overall purpose of the Chairman and Members is to ensure the efficient, effective and accountable governance of the Authority and to provide leadership and direction for the organisation as a whole. The primary role of the Member is to work with the Chairman, Chief Executive (National Park Officer) and other Members to discharge the functions of the Authority and to steer and champion the strategic direction of the Authority so that it delivers benefits to the nation and its local communities in accordance with National Park purposes. Here is a more detailed description. (PDF Help 30 Kb )

Page updated 6 November 2009