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.

NNAS is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, 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 - The Inspiration behind The NNAS

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 running of the charity as well as the administration and development of the awards. They also organise and help to deliver a range of workshops for providers, overseeing moderation of courses and improving the resources available for providers to deliver the awards.

Trustees

Pete Hawkins - Chair

Pete Hawkins

Pete has been an NNAS trustee since 2014 and for the past 5 years has been its chair. Pete was at the launch event of the NNAS in 1994 and began running their awards soon after, first as an instructor for an outdoor centre (possibly running the NNAS’s first Gold course) and then for his own business, the Silva Navigation School.

Pete has written two books on navigation published by Cicerone and has written extensively for outdoor magazines on the subject over the years.

After living in the Peak District for 40 years, Pete recently moved to North Yorkshire.

John Kewley - Treasurer

Derek Petrie - Vice-chair

Derek Petrie

Derek Petrie is an experienced sales and business development leader with more than two decades’ experience across HR tech, consulting, talent management, global mobility and relocation services. He has built a strong track record in developing client relationships, opening new markets and driving commercial growth across the UK and Europe.

Most recently, Derek has worked as a sales and business development consultant, supporting organisations with business development strategy, sales capability and growth planning. His senior experience includes VP Sales, Europe at Randstad RiseSmart, where he led multi-country growth across 14 European markets and worked with senior HR leaders, CPOs and enterprise clients.

Alongside his professional career, Derek is a qualified Summer Mountain Leader, Chair of the Kinrossshire Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group, and has competed in open water swimming competitions. These interests reflect his commitment to leadership, resilience, mentoring and helping others build confidence through challenge and adventure. Derek is Vice Chair of the NNAS.

James Woodhouse - Development Office & Technical Advisor

James Woodhouse

James is employed 5 days a month as the NNAS’ Technical Advisor and Development Officer (DATO) and has been with the NNAS for ten years, firstly as a Trustee then latterly as DATO.

James was educated at Wellington School, University College London and completed a PGDOE at University of Edinburgh. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served for 15 years in a variety of roles in the British Army. Having qualified as a WMCI and RYA Yachtmaster he works full time in outdoor education, and part time on a smallholding.

He is married with two children and lives in the Highlands.

Lisa Atkinson

Lisa Atkinson is a charity consultant specialising in scaling small charities through sustainable fundraising, strategy and governance. She holds a master's in Politics, Philosophy and Religion and leads academic research on fundraising, impact measurement and participatory stakeholder insight. With a background in international development, Lisa champions data-led, inclusive approaches to inform strategy and service delivery.

She founded The Wellbeing Way in 2020, delivering accessible wellbeing walks across the UK, reflecting her commitment to widening access to the outdoors.

Mark Reid

Vicky McDowell

Vicky McDowell is a business consultant specialising in leadership and team development, strategy and organisational growth across rural business, membership organisations and purpose driven commercial businesses. With a background in senior leadership roles spanning retail, agriculture, transport and consultancy, she brings experience in stakeholder engagement, team development and collaborative problem-solving.

Vicky is the founder of McDowell Partnerships, supporting organisations to strengthen teams, clarify direction and create sustainable growth through facilitation and strategic advisory work. She is also an accredited LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator, using creative and inclusive approaches to help groups think differently and work more effectively together.

Living in central Scotland with her husband, two teenage boys and a dog, she is passionate about getting outdoors on foot and bike. She is particularly interested in doing that safely as she is not one of life’s natural navigators, but aspires to be.

Tom Dyer

Dan Store