22 May 2026
The search is underway for passionate and committed individuals to join the North York Moors National Park Authority as Secretary of State appointed Members.
The appointments will be made by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), The Rt Hon. Emma Reynolds MP, over the coming months.
Members of a National Park Authority play a vital role in overseeing the strategic management of the area, contributing to decisions on planning, nature recovery, climate resilience, conservation, accessibility and sustainable tourism. They also act as ambassadors for the North York Moors, working collaboratively with local communities, partner organisations and stakeholders.
The North York Moors National Park Authority currently has two vacancies for Secretary of State appointed Members and is seeking individuals with a strong commitment to public service and a passion for ensuring protected landscapes remain relevant and accessible to everyone. The recruitment campaign aims to attract applicants with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds, helping to ensure that the governance of the National Park reflects the communities and wider public that it serves.
Jim Bailey, Chair of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:
“If you are passionate about beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, wildlife and the outdoors and believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy these things, then I would encourage you to consider applying.
“The work of the North York Moors National Park Authority is about protecting and enhancing this special place while ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from everything it offers.
“In carrying out that work, we also have a duty to support the people and communities who help make the National Park what it is. My ambition is that people who live and work beyond its boundaries look at the North York Moors and wish they were part of it.
“This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the country’s most treasured landscapes.”
National Park Authorities across the UK face increasing opportunities and challenges, from restoring nature and responding to climate change to widening access and helping improve health and wellbeing. They also work with tourism businesses and local communities to encourage visitor experiences that contribute positively to the environment and support thriving local economies.
The North York Moors National Park Authority has 20 Members in total. Nine are appointed by North Yorkshire Council, two by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, four parish Members are appointed by the Secretary of State following local parish elections, and five are directly appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The position is unsalaried, although Members receive an allowance and reimbursement of expenses. Members are generally expected to commit around two to three days each month to Authority business.
Further information about the vacancies and how to apply is available via the public appointments website.
More information about the Authority and its current Members can be found on the North York Moors National Park website.
For further information, contact the North York Moors National Park Authority on 01439 772700 or email general@northyorkmoors.org.uk.
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.