Youth co-opted to enhance Park governance

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has for the first time co-opted members onto one of its committees, in an attempt to make its governance more inclusive.

Katie Norgate from Northallerton, and Zachary Anderson from Hertfordshire, will serve for two years on the Finance and Resources Committee, following a vote at this afternoon’s full Authority meeting (see Item 10).

They have been appointed as part of a wider initiative to increase the voice of younger people on the Authority’s board.  

The 25 Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority  are appointed by either local councils or the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.  However, there is legal provision for the Authority to co-opt “non-voting” members onto its committees.

Deputy Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Lizzie Bushby, led the recruitment process.  

She said:    "We wanted to open up opportunities for a wider and more diverse representation in our governance – and I’m delighted and encouraged by the response.  So many young people expressed an interest in these roles.

“Our opportunities and challenges in the National Park cut across a range of issues; nature recovery, climate threats, changes in farming and land management, and the need to sustain viable local communities. On all these issues, the solutions won't be short-term fixes.  So it's essential that we have new generations of people such as Katie and Zac contributing to the development and delivery of programmes that will help shape the future of the Yorkshire Dales.”

Katie Norgate, 25, a civil servant, said: “It’s really exciting for me to be appointed to this role.  I will bring a tourist’s view to the Finances and Resources Committee discussions, having come to the National Park for walks.  I would like to make sure the Authority’s work on improving access is well resourced.   We need to make sure that everyone can enjoy the National Park regardless of age, background or financial means.”

Zachary Anderson, 21, an officer at HM Prison and Probation Service, said:  "I'm really excited to take on this role and work closely with the National Park Authority. The National Parks are a treasure of the UK, and have potential to be drivers of sustainability, community, and identity. The key to unlocking this potential lies in expanding the audience of the Dales to a young generation. This is why it's important to purposely include those who otherwise wouldn't be involved."