About the NNAS
The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) was launched in 1994 at the Royal Institute of Navigation in London, and since then over 50,000 people of all ages have gained awards. It was the inspiration of Peter Palmer.
The scheme continues to be a great success, and with over 300 registered providers of courses. Thousands of people of all ages have benefited from the skills learnt on an NNAS course.
In 2009 NNAS became a Company Limited by Guarantee, number SC320350 and a Registered Charity, number SC039201.
In late 2015, The Bronze Award was accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4, and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion.
Supporters of the NNAS
The NNAS is sponsored by HARVEY MAPS.
Outdoor organisations across the UK and further afield recognise The NNAS’ Award Schemes for its sound training system for teaching the skills of land based navigation, and enabling participants to gain the confidence and skills to plan and safely execute their own journeys into the countryside.
The NNAS is recognised by
SportsLeader UK
British Orienteering
The Royal Institute of Navigation
Mountain Training
Ramblers UK
RAF Air Cadets
Plas y Brenin
Glenmore Lodge
and many more
Our Mission:
The mission of the National Navigation Award Scheme is to inspire, enable and empower people of all ages to navigate with confidence through the provision of personal navigation skills training delivered to nationally recognised standards of excellence.
Our Vision:
The vision of the National Navigation Award Scheme is to become the recognised national body for land navigation in the British Isles.
Peter Palmer was the founder of the NNAS scheme and its first and only chairman until 2003 when he passed away at the end of October after a long illness.
Peter was a great visionary and philosopher. He was a teacher in Stafford for many years before working as the British Orienteering Federation Director of Coaching. He had the ability to empower people young and old, and this was demonstrated in his vision to start a junior orienteering squad in the Stafford area many years ago, the youngsters from this later developing into world-class competitors.
The NNAS scheme was devised by Peter as a non-competitive personal performance scheme for all ages, designed to encourage people to feel confident in their navigation in the countryside. NNAS courses do not provide leadership qualifications.
NNAS Administration
Jane Howie and Caroline Ross run our office in Stirling. They are your first port of call for any NNAS administrative matters and any questions you may have if you are a Provider. However, if you are booked on an NNAS course run by one of our 300+ Providers and you have a question about that course, then you should contact the Provider as Jane & Caroline won’t be able to answer any specific questions about it.
NNAS Management
The NNAS is run by a voluntary Board which oversees the administration and development of the Scheme, organising and helping to deliver a range of workshops for Providers, overseeing moderation of courses, improving the resources available for providers to deliver the scheme and helping individuals to find a course suitable for them.
The Board currently comprises:
| Chair | Minutes Secretary – Dave Thompson |
| Pete Hawkins | Database/website/NNAS office |
| Treasurer | Jane and Caroline |
| John Kewley | Development Officer / Technical Advisor |
| Vice-chair – Mark Handford | James Woodhouse |
| Board members | |
| Pete Hawkins | Rose Gare-Simmons |
| Dave Thompson – Cumbria Ventures | Mark Handford – Snowdonia Adventures |
| John Kewley – Freelance Provider | Lisa Atkinson |
| Dan Store – Abernethy Trust | Mark Reid – Teamwalking |
| Tom Dyer – West View Project |
