Swim England and Jane Nickerson in the running for three national awards

Swim England is in the running for two national awards alongside its chief executive, Jane Nickerson, who has also been named as a finalist.

The national governing body is in the running for the Healthy Communities Award and the Marketing Campaign Award at this year’s ukactive Awards.

The former of the two nominations is as a result of the health and wellbeing work being produced through Swim England’s water wellbeing and PoolPod projects.

The water wellbeing project aims to transform existing community swimming pool assets into places for health, wellbeing and rehabilitation. It was also highly commended in this category in 2021.

Running alongside that is the PoolPod project, which is funded by the London Marathon Charitable Trust and helps to create inclusive swimming environments for people with long-term health conditions, disabilities and rehabilitation needs.

The national governing body’s #LoveSwimming campaign is behind the latter nomination, with the campaign bringing together pool operators from across the nation to deliver digital marketing and PR campaigns.

On being named as a finalist in the Healthy Communities category, Swim England health and wellbeing manager, Ali Noyce, said: “We are delighted to be in the running for this ukactive award.

“Since Covid restrictions started to ease last year, we’ve had thousands of PoolPods user visits and a high number of staff completing the inclusive customer experience e-learning.

“We work tirelessly to support pools to become more accessible and inclusive for people with health conditions and impairments, so to be named as a finalist is a proud feeling.

“Good luck to all of the other seven finalists in the Healthy Communities category.”

Jane pleased to be named as finalist

Swim England chief executive, Jane Nickerson, has also been named as a finalist for the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Jane has led the national governing body through the challenging Covid period and remains at the forefront of lobbying efforts for support and long-term investment in the sector.

She recently commissioned Swim England’s ‘Decade of Decline’ report which highlights the need for investment into facilities up and down the country and was awarded an MBE for her services to swimming through the pandemic.

As one of eight finalists in contention for the award, Jane said she was pleased to feature alongside other worthy winners.

“The pandemic and lockdowns were tough on us all and it was heart-breaking to see swimming pools close their doors, some for good, which has prevented many from experiencing the benefits of being in the water,” she said.

“We are still feeling the impact that the past two years has had throughout the leisure sector but we will continue to raise awareness and lobby the Government for well-needed investment to ensure there are sufficient, appropriate swimming pools for the needs of the nation.

“I am very pleased to be named as a finalist for the Outstanding Leadership Award and would like to wish good luck to all of those also in the running.”

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, added: “We are delighted but not surprised by the number of incredible entries and stories we have received for this year’s ukactive Awards, which is testament to the unquestionable resilience and innovation within our sector.

“We are extremely proud of all of our members, who have worked so hard in rebuilding the sector and our nation’s health, as we mark just over a year since facilities were allowed to reopen.

“Congratulations to all the finalists, and commiserations to those who have not made the shortlist this year, but we hope the process and feedback is useful in your continued growth.

“We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the awards ceremony this summer.”

The winners will be announced at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 30 June.