Jobs are under threat and the future of visitor centres precarious as the Peak District National Park Authority looks to cut costs. 

An organisational restructure is under way, with 65 people at risk of redundancy as senior management levels are expected to be cut by more than half, some administration services merged and potential outsourcing of some professional services. 

The changes could also see 31 new posts created and the Authority says it hopes to retain the skills and experience of as many staff as possible, although they are expecting to lose around seven per cent of the workforce.  

The announcement comes as the Authority says it has faced a ‘real terms’ cut in its annual Defra government grant of around 40 per cent over the last decade. 

Chief executive Phil Mulligan said: “Any decisions that affect our workforce and colleagues are among the hardest to make.  

“However, making these difficult choices now means that we can work towards a sustainable future for our organisation as a whole, where we have the ability to deliver well in the areas that are so crucial to the Peak District and our nation like the protection of our heritage, nature’s recovery and climate change.” 

The proposals to be consulted upon include closing or repurposing four visitor centres operated by the Authority at Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Fairholmes in the Upper Derwent Valley. 

Mr Mulligan said helping visitors and ensuring their time in the area is safe, enjoyable and responsible was still crucial, but new and dynamic ways to achieve this without some of the costs was needed. 

“I want to recognise the passion and energy that our front-facing staff bring to their role in welcoming visitors and that the tough decisions being proposed do not reflect these teams’ commitment but are as a result of factors in the wider financial landscape.” 

Changes to the pay structure are also being proposed to increase salaries in departments including planning and development to bring them in line with similar organisations – and help recruitment. 

Mr Mulligan said the move would be hard to rationalise, but they must meet their statutory obligations which was especially hard if they were unable to be competitive as an employer.   

“The changes proposed will ultimately see us becoming a more affordable and resilient organisation in the face of ongoing financial uncertainty and safeguard our critical role in caring for the Peak District.” 

Staff at the Authority were informed of the proposals in a series of face-to-face meetings last week.   

Authority Members will approve any final proposals for implementation on 28 July. 

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