EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY REVIEW

A recent review of the work Exmoor National Park Authority by a team of officials from other National Parks and the public sector has praised the enthusiasm and commitment of Authority staff and the positive contribution being made by Members. One member of the visiting team said that he “had never come across an organisation with such positive staff”.

The visiting team were given a tour of Exmoor and met privately with many people from outside the Authority over the four days of their visit. This included parish councillors, business people and farming representatives, voluntary groups, and people from local councils and regional organisations. The assessment team also had access to all of the Authority’s documents, including the detailed self-assessment that had taken place earlier in the year which set out areas where they were performing well and aspects of the organisation that it was felt needed improvement. The team noted however that some significant improvements in the management of the Authority have already been made over the past three years.

The assessment team was also impressed at the quantity and quality of the achievements of the Authority and its close working with partner organisations and local people.

Dr Nigel Stone, chief executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “Whilst we were pleased with many of the findings, the review was not just a ‘pat on the back’. The team identified a range of improvements that the Authority still needs to make – agreeing in the main with the areas for improvement that our self-assessment had already identified. These include establishing a shared vision and setting clearer priorities for the Authority’s work.  

We are taking forward an action plan to ensure that we continue to build on our strengths and address the areas for improvement.  Whilst focusing on fewer priorities will mean that we need to stop or reduce some of our activities and say “no” to some new project ideas, it will also ensure that we use our staff and funding where they can make the greatest possible impact for the benefit of the National Park.”