New Swim England chair Sue Smith keen to carry on ‘excellent work’ of predecessor

The new chair of the Swim England board has said she is looking forward to carrying on the ‘excellent work’ of her predecessor.

Sue Smith who was the senior independent non-executive director and deputy chair has taken on the role following the decision by Mike Farrar to resign from the post.

He has stepped down to focus on his work supporting the NHS through the coronavirus pandemic.

Sue will now hold the post for up to 12 months to provide stability to the organisation at this time.

During this period, the requirements of the role will be reviewed and an open recruitment process will take place at an appropriate time.

Independent board member Caroline Green has been appointed as the senior independent non-executive board member / deputy chair for the same time period.

Sue said: “I’m looking forward to carrying on the excellent work of Mike and leading the Swim England board for the next 12 months.

Driven by desire to deliver

“We’re operating in challenging times but we have a fantastic, enthusiastic board which is driven by the desire to deliver, in partnership with the Swim England Executive, on behalf of the Swim England family.”

Sue has spent her career working for local government and has a wealth of experience in leadership, good governance and organisational transformation

Her early years in local government were closely linked with swimming, initially as a lifeguard and swimming teacher and then as a leisure centre manager.

She then progressed to become a council Chief Executive, whilst still keeping a strong link with leisure, and was recognised for her services to Local Government in the 2018 New Year’s Honours with an MBE.

Sue is currently chair of the Graven Hill Village Development Company, which is delivering the UK’s largest self-build housing development – and she is a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors.