Swim England is striving to create a happier, healthier and more successful nation through swimming and aquatic activity. It strives to inspire everyone to enjoy the water in the way that suits them. As the recognised national governing body for swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo in England, it helps people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and compete in all its sports.

Swim England is an incorporated company with charitable status. Its subsidiary businesses are wholly-owned companies which are commercial – profits are passed up to Swim England for investment into its charitable aims.

Each month, millions of people are able to enjoy its sports and activities because they have been through its renowned Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway. Ensuring that people are safe in the water is of paramount importance and so it works closely with partners to keep water safety high on the national agenda.

At its heart, Swim England is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting its clubs and members to develop and succeed. It maintains the laws of the sport and runs world-class national events which are open to all competing members. It also operates a comprehensive range of qualification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials.

Swim England seeks a Non-Executive Director who will join a high-calibre, engaged and passionate Board. They will provide inclusive and inspirational leadership and guidance to the Board of the English National Governing Body for swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo.

Responsibilities of the Non-Executive Director include:

• Acting in the best interests of the organisation with honesty and good faith
• Contributing to the maintenance and continuous improvement of best practice governance arrangements and strategic risk management
• Helping to ensure compliance with the Sport England Code for Sports Governance, Sporting Future and other applicable standards of best practice  
• Constantly upholding and promoting the agreed Swim England Vision, Mission, Values and expected standards of ethical conduct and behaviour in fulfilling responsibilities
• Contributing to the development of a clear, coherent, compelling, cost-effective and comprehensive Swim England Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and other Board members and monitoring ongoing delivery of the plan
• Helping to ensure that the Board functions as a cohesive and constructive team engaging collaboratively and constructively at all times with Swim England employees, volunteers, members and other stakeholders  
• Ensuring continuous compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and equality
• Promoting best practice inclusion, equality and diversity across Swim England at all times

Swim England is looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director with a senior-level background in human resources to complement the skills and experience of the existing Board. This individual will bring a deep understanding of human resources strategies in organisations of a similar size to Swim England. Experience gained in local government or the public sector more broadly would also be helpful.

The successful candidate will be commercially aware and will support the Board to identify commercial opportunities. They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of communities who are currently not as engaged in swimming as well as a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Experience in aquatic or membership sports is not needed, but an interest in and commitment to supporting the future and goals of Swim England is essential. Given that previous experience as a board or committee member is not required, this could be an ideal role for someone looking to take the first step on their non-executive career journey.

Swim England actively encourages applications from individuals whose backgrounds are currently underrepresented on its Board, such as those with disabilities and individuals from an ethnic minority background. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Swim England is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is committed to inclusion and embracing the spirit of all equalities legislation. Where possible, it will always make reasonable adjustments for accessibility to anyone who requires it.

The role is unremunerated with travel and accommodation expenses paid in accordance with Swim England's policy. The total time commitment is around one to two days per month, inclusive of six or seven Board meetings per year (three to four hours in the afternoon), and two to three annual subcommittee meetings. The majority of Board meetings are to be held virtually, when attended in person the location will be either at the head office in Loughborough, Leicestershire and occasionally held in other locations nationwide as agreed in advance. The length of the appointment is for four years, with the possibility of extending for a further four-year term. Candidates should be UK-based.