Helen Marney appointed as new Director of Community Participation and Health

Swim England’s new Director of Community Participation and Health, Helen Marney, says she is ‘thoroughly looking forward’ to ‘a new and bigger adventure in a sport that has the power to transform lives’.

Helen has more than 20 years of wide-ranging experience within the sport sector.

She will join Swim England on Monday 24 March from British Triathlon, where she has been Director of Development since 2019 – responsible for the development and growth of the sport as well as driving the organisation forward as part of the executive team.

Helen will be responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of several key aspects of Swim England’s work, including learning to swim, stronger clubs, aquatics for health, lifelong participation and outdoor swimming.

She will also oversee qualifications and workforce, volunteering, place-based growth, local delivery in partnership with counties and regions plus equality, diversity and inclusion.

“The size of the opportunity within this role is huge,” said Helen, who has also worked as Director of Development at Yorkshire Sport Foundation prior to her time at British Triathlon.

“I was looking for a new and bigger adventure in a sport that has the power to transform lives, communities and ecosystems.

“One that could lead the way for the wider sport and physical activity sector in its collective mission to tackle inequalities, improve health, grow participation and engagement and develop skills and capabilities that last a lifetime.

“There aren’t many sports that could do that across our landscape – swimming and aquatics can. I want to be part of that!”

Helen said that aquatics ‘has the power to reach into the health agenda of our nation in a way many sports cannot’ – and Swim England’s new strategy was a driver behind her decision to want to take on the role.

Valuable asset

She added: “The One Swim England Strategy represents a precipice of great change for the sport and the wider physical activity landscape.

“Whilst that can bring both challenge and apprehension, it can also bring a renewed focus, energy and clarity of direction.

“The power of a united effort towards a common and well understood vision that inspires and brings people together on a new journey cannot be underestimated. I am thoroughly looking forward to being part of this new journey.”

Andy Salmon, Swim England Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled Helen is joining us as our Director of Community Participation and Health.

“Having worked alongside her at British Triathlon for several years, I’m well aware that her extensive experience will be a valuable asset as we work towards achieving the objectives of our One Swim England strategy.

“This is an exciting time for Swim England and I am confident that Helen will play a pivotal role in helping to deliver our vision of ensuring that everyone has great experiences in water – from learning to swim through to lifelong participation for all.

“I know Helen is relishing this opportunity to make a real difference and we’re looking forward to her getting stuck into this important role which will help create lasting change in communities across the country.”

Helen is the first of four new directors who will be joining Swim England’s senior leadership team.

Over the coming months, a Finance Director, People Director and Director of Safe Aquatics and Welfare will also be appointed.