National Navigation Award Scheme

The scheme was launched in 1994 at the Royal Institute of Navigation in London, and since then over 35,000 people of all ages have gained an award.

Peter Palmer was the founder of the NNAS scheme and its 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 developing into world championship level competitors in more recent years.

The NNAS scheme was devised by Peter as a non-competitive, personal performance scheme for all ages, to encourage people to be confident in their navigation in the countryside.  NNAS courses do not provide leadership qualifications.

The scheme continues to be a great success, and with over 350 registered providers of courses many people of all ages have benefited from the skills learnt on an NNAS course.

By May 2009, NNAS had became a Registered Charity, number SC039201, and a Company Limited by Guarantee, number SC320350.

The NNAS committee of volunteers 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.

Chair
Sue Harvey - Harvey Maps

Treasurer
Pam Hickin - Yorkshire Dales Guides

Minutes Secretary

Derek Sheehan - DS Associates

Database / website / NNAS office
Dorothy and Jane

Committee members
David Ing - Over The Hill
Marlene Palmer
Margaret Porter - CNDo Scotland
Keith Rugg - KR Consultancy
Pam Hicken - Yorkshire Dales Guides
Roger Davis - ATC
Derek Sheehan - DS Associates

Chris Conley

Carol Emmons - Carolclimb

Dave Thompson - Cumbria Ventures

Richard Ayres - ACF

The NNAS is sponsored by RECTA compasses and HARVEY MAPS.

The Scheme is supported by many outdoor and outdoor training related organisations as a sound and encouraging training system to learn the skills of land based navigation and gain confidence in planning your own outdoor journeys.  Support comes from

• SportsLeader UK
• British Orienteering,
• the Royal Institute of Navigation
• the Mountain Leader Training Board UK
• Ramblers UK
• Air Cadets  and many more