Members share reasons why they signed up to Swim England Online Community

Members of Swim England’s Online Community say they have ‘high hopes’ for the future after admitting ‘it’s nice to know you’re being heard’.

Hundreds of people from all aquatic disciplines have joined the Online Community, which offers Swim England members the chance to have their say and be at the heart of the national governing body’s decision-making.

Open to all members aged 16 and over, the Online Community sees members completing a number of activities each month, ranging from live chats and discussions, creating videos, completing diaries, polls and surveys or tasks highlighting their online user journey.

Feedback received will be used to by Swim England to shape future opportunities and experiences – while members can also raise topics which are important to them.

A recent task asked members why they decided to join the Online Community – and several shared their views and what they enjoy about it.

One member of the community said: “I have a lot of admiration for the new approach Swim England are trying to take and think it is worth my time to put my views across.

“I have high hopes for the future.”

Lynne, a club chair and Masters swimmer in the North East region, was also enjoying being a member of the Online Community.

She said: “Keep this Online Community running – even if it’s with less tasks to do. 

“Continuing feedback will be useful to see if Swim England have listened to (and acted upon) the feedback received already, but also to undertake meaningful consultation before implementing future decisions.”

Julie, a team manager in the South East region, added: “The new CEO made me feel like he really wanted to hear what members needed to say and that he really wanted to make the changes needed.”

And Nicola, a parent in the South West region, said: “I’ve appreciated the validation by the Swim England team who respond to feedback – it’s nice to know you’re being heard.”

Emily Budzynski-Seymour, Swim England’s insight manager, said there was plenty of opportunities for new members to join the Online Community.

Postitive experience

She said: “We started the community as a way to listen to our members and ensure we are including their views in our decision-making.

“We’re so pleased that so many have already signed up and a huge thank you to those who have taken part in the tasks so far and helping us with our goals.

“It’s great that members said they joined because they wanted to have a voice and share experiences with others in the aquatics community.  

“We are striving it make the community a positive and constructive experience for all and the feedback we have received so far is that members are enjoying being part of the group.

“We are still on the lookout for more people to sign up and take part in the various activities we have lined up so if you want to help make a difference, come and join us.

“In the coming weeks, we will be asking members to voice their opinions on our national events medal ceremonies, the prizes we give members in our newsletters, supporting dual discipline athletes and the relationship between our club coaches and committee members – amongst other things. 

“If you have some thoughts you would like to share please sign up. You will be entered into our monthly prize money draws as well as being in with a chance to win other great prizes.”

More details about the Online Community are available from a series of frequently asked questions.

To join the Online Community, please click here.