Board Meeting - March 2022

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Board Meeting on 25 March 2022. The meeting will be held in Grantown on Spey. The agenda includes welcoming attendees, apologies, and approving the minutes from previous meetings. The board will receive information on the Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) report and convener's update, as well as draft minutes from committee meetings on 11 February. Decisions will be made on the 2022/23 budget development, the National Planning Framework 4 consultation response, and the code of conduct. There will be a discussion on strategic risk management and monitoring corporate performance, an any other competent business (AOCB) section, and a motion to move to a confidential session for governance discussion. The date of the next meeting is scheduled for 10 June 2022.

This document contains the draft minutes from the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board meeting held on 10 December 2021. The meeting covered declarations of interest, approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, and updates on action points. Grant Moir, Chief Executive, presented a report highlighting the main strategic areas of work, including the Programme for Government, the Nature Recovery Fund, and the National Park Partnership Plan consultation. The Board discussed managing visitors in 2021 and proposals for 2022, as well as the Corporate Plan 2023 to 2027 development timetable. The Cairngorms Green Recovery Fund was also reviewed, and the Board noted its success. Finally, draft minutes of Board committees were presented, and the Board discussed a planned residential Board Strategy Session and a new Code of Conduct. The next formal Board meeting was scheduled for 11 March 2022.

This document contains the draft minutes of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) Board meeting held on 25 February 2022. The meeting included a welcome and introduction, declarations of interest, and a discussion about the Park Authority's response to Highland Council's proposals for a Short Term Let Control Area for Badenoch and Strathspey. The board welcomed the Highland Council's proposals and noted the implications for the Park Authority when acting as the planning authority. The next formal Board meeting is scheduled for 25 March 2022.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) formal board paper from 25 March 2022, which includes updates from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board Convener. The CEO's report highlights the main strategic areas of work being directed by the management team, focusing on conservation efforts like the Cairngorms Nature and Capercaillie Projects, peatland restoration, and deer and moorland management, as well as visitor services, including managing visitor impact and strategic routes. The report also covers planning and rural development, stakeholder engagement, and communications, including efforts to engage with under-represented groups and promote responsible tourism. Lastly, the report touches on organisational development, youth employment, shared services, and activities related to the Cairngorms Trust. The Convener's report shares external engagements, including meetings with ministers and community representatives, to address access issues and promote the National Economic Strategy in the Cairngorms National Park.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (NPA) proposed budget for the 2022/23 financial year. The document details the expected income from core sources, including Scottish Government grants and generated income, and how these resources will be used for staff, support services, and project delivery. It also outlines the transitional investment plan for 2022/23, which aligns with strategic objectives and corporate plans agreed upon in December 2021, including resources and capital allocations for the Cairngorms Peatland Restoration Programme. The board is being asked to agree to the proposed budget allocations for 2022/23; Consider the proposed transitional investment plan for 2022/23; Subject to any agreed changes, agree the transitional investment plan for 2022/23; and Identify any strategic risks or implications posed for the Board's delivery of its strategic objectives which may require additional management action. The total funds under management for the 2022/23 financial year are projected at £14.897 million.

This document contains a summary of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's financial and staffing proposals for the 2022/23 transitional plans. It outlines the planned investments and staff deployment across different areas like nature, climate, people, and corporate functions. Some key objectives include delivering net zero emissions, supporting sustainable tourism, improving community development, and enhancing organizational effectiveness. The document provides a breakdown of budgets, strategic links, work packages and key actions, with a total investment of £2,596,000 and 81.79 full-time employees.

This document contains an update on the Cairngorms National Park Authority's performance towards its 2018 to 2022 Corporate Plan objectives. It highlights achievements like the Capercaillie project, woodland creation, and visitor survey results, while also addressing challenges such as wildlife crime and the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and John Muir Award completions. The document presents the latest version of the Strategic Risk Register, which identifies and mitigates potential risks. The Cairngorms National Park Authority Board is asked to review the corporate performance, highlight achievements, comment on the risk register and provide feedback on strategic risk management and mitigation actions.

This document contains updates to the Cairngorms National Park Authority's (CNPA) corporate plan, outlining progress in conservation, land management, visitor experience, rural development, and corporate services. In 2021/22, the CNPA Peatland Action programme is on track to deliver around 550ha of peatland restoration management and there has been woodland creation and approval by Scottish Forestry in the National Park. The Cairngorms Nature Action Plan (2019-2024) delivered by a wide range of partners including NGOs, land managers, academic and public sector organisations. This is all to help continue visitor infrastructure, increasing physical activity as well as supporting the community, all while communicating and increasing awareness, engagement, and involvement with the Park.

This document contains key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) as of 25 March 2022. The KPIs cover a range of areas including conservation and land use, tourism, affordable housing, staff, and budget. Some targets are on track or have been achieved, such as volunteer ranger training, visitor numbers from certain demographics, and staff turnover. However, other targets, such as Capercaillie numbers and wildlife crime incidents, will not be met. Overall, the Park Authority is making progress in several areas but faces challenges in others.

This document contains the Cairngorms National Park Authority's strategic risk register from March 25th, 2022. It outlines various risks that could impact the Park Authority's ability to deliver its corporate plan and strategic objectives. Risks include public sector finance constraints, staffing challenges, potential loss of EU funding, IT security issues, and reputational risks. For each risk, the register identifies preventative and remedial mitigation strategies, and comments on the current status and trends, like if the risk is increasing, decreasing, or stable. The register aims to track and manage these risks effectively to minimize negative impacts.

This document contains a summary of the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) for Scotland, which was published by the Scottish Government for consultation in November 2021. The NPF4 is a long-term plan that will guide spatial development, set national planning policies, designate national developments and highlight regional spatial priorities, all to help achieve a net zero, sustainable Scotland by 2045. The paper also sets out the proposed Cairngorms National Park Authority's (Park Authority) response to the draft NPF4, including their views on the national spatial strategy, national developments, and national planning policy. The Park Authority welcomes the broad content and intention of the NPF4 but suggests some areas for improvement, such as strengthening the role of National Parks and clarifying the policy language. The Park Authority Board is asked to note the scope of the draft NPF4 and endorse the proposed Park Authority response, which will be submitted to the Scottish Government by 31 March 2022.

This document contains information on the revised Model Code of Conduct for Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), as issued by the Standards Commissions for Scotland. The Cairngorms National Park Authority seeks the Board's agreement to adopt the revised Model Code as their own, with no amendments. The revised code includes updates on language, application to social media, and clarity on declarations of interest, with the Scottish Government expecting NDPBs to adopt the code within six months of its approval. The Director of Corporate Services and Deputy Chief Executive recommends adopting the revised Model Code in full.

This document contains the Model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies, issued by the Scottish Ministers and laid before the Scottish Parliament. It outlines the expected conduct and key principles of public life for those serving on public bodies in Scotland, covering areas such as general conduct, registration and declaration of interests, and lobbying. The Code emphasizes the importance of duty, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. It also defines terms like 'bullying', 'confidential information', 'gifts' and 'harassment' and explains the process for dealing with breaches of the code, including potential sanctions. This version of the Model Code of Conduct is not yet in force and will come into force after it has been approved by the Parliament.

This document contains guidance on the Model Code of Conduct for members of devolved public bodies in Scotland, as required by the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. It explains the key principles of the code, including duty, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership, and respect. The guidance covers general conduct, registration and declaration of interests, and lobbying, providing examples and scenarios to help members understand and apply the Code. It also emphasizes the importance of transparency, seeking advice, and avoiding conflicts of interest. The document is intended to help members meet the required standards of conduct and ensure public confidence in their decision-making.