Swim England and Sporta working together to support members

Two conferences held as part of an agreement between Swim England and Sporta have been hailed a success.

The organisations got together in February and May to share information, expertise and enable opportunities for members to network and share good practice and case studies.

Swim England developed the strategic partnership with Sporta, the national association of leisure and cultural trusts, and is now looking at the needs of Sporta members and finding areas where it can provide support.

Sporta consists of more than 80 member organisations who manage almost 500 pools in England between them – and the agreement with Swim England has been described as ‘really positive’.

The first conference took place in Birmingham in February and focused on learn to swim provision, school swimming, mentoring and swimmer pathways.  The second, which took place in Sheffield in May,  had an emphasis on workforce recruitment, development and retention.

A new way of working

Stephen Moore, Swim England Strategic Partnerships Manager said: “The partnership with Sporta has been part of a new way of working for Swim England. Working with partners to best influence and communicate with the vast and varied aquatics industry is important to us and working with Sporta over the last 12 months has been really positive.

“The two conferences delivered earlier this year enabled us to share expertise, good practice and communicate with Sporta members about what Swim England can offer them.

“As the partnership grows stronger, plans are being discussed to create more opportunities to meet the development needs of Sporta members leading into the Autumn and into early 2019.”

Bespoke programme aimed at members

Cate Atwater, Chief Executive of Sporta said: “This partnership has been developed solely on member needs and this is critical for success. Swim England has co-developed a bespoke support programme to engage with and help our members.

“This support programme has undoubtedly progressed the relationship and understanding between members and Swim England. Equally, it is very positive for Sporta to have a strategic relationship with Swim England, where Swim England engage in and support based on our members’ needs.”

The bespoke Sporta conference programme has enabled:

• The majority of Sporta members to have direct engagement with Swim England and build relationships and contacts.
• Sporta members to develop their learning, implement best practice and engage with Swim England colleagues.
• Sporta members to directly determine the shape and scope of workshops tailored to their needs.
• Delivery of two high quality workshops.