How Swim England appoints Board members

Swim England’s Board comprises a combination of Independent Directors and Member Nominated Directors. Together, they bring a mix of professional expertise, sector knowledge and member representation to support the effective governance of the organisation.

Identifying the skills we need

Before any recruitment begins, the People Committee reviews the current composition of the Board and identifies any skills, knowledge or experience that would strengthen it. Where appropriate, other Board members with relevant expertise may support the recruitment process.

Independent Directors

Independent Directors are appointed through an open and competitive recruitment process. To attract a strong and diverse field of candidates, Swim England works with an external executive search and recruitment partner to advertise vacancies and proactively identify potential applicants. Candidates take part in a two-stage assessment process:

• an initial interview, typically with Swim England’s CEO, focused on their experience, leadership and alignment with Swim England’s vision and values; and
• a second interview with the People Committee, which recommends the preferred candidate(s) for appointment by the Board.

Appointments are based on merit against the skills and experience required for the role.

Member Nominated Directors

There are four Member Nominated Directors who provide an important link between Swim England’s Regions and the Board.

England’s eight regions nominate candidates when vacancies arise. Before nominations open, the People Committee considers the skills and experience needed on the Board. Regions that are not currently represented are then invited to nominate candidates who best meet those requirements.

The successful candidate is elected through a vote of the Members’ Forum.

Terms of office

Board members are appointed for an initial term of four years and may be eligible for reappointment for a second term, subject to the requirements of the Articles and the needs of the Board.

Our commitment

Swim England is committed to fair, transparent and robust appointment processes that ensure the Board has the skills, experience, diversity and independence needed to govern effectively and deliver for our members and the wider aquatics community.