Swim England

A nation swimming

WORKING TOGETHER

Committees, Coaches and Parents


Our Working Together guide is a practical resource designed to strengthen relationships between committees, coaches, and parents in all types of aquatic clubs.

It focuses on the vital partnership between the head coach and club chair, showing how they can collaborate to lead a positive, successful club environment.

The guide is divided into four easy-to-read sections.

You’ll also find downloadable templates you can adapt for your own club, along with real stories showing how these ideas can inspire positive change.

CULTURE, VISION AND VALUES IN AQUATIC CLUBS

A clear vision and shared values are the foundation of every successful aquatic club. This section helps you define what your club stands for and build an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Good communication builds trust and keeps your club running smoothly. This section offers practical ways to keep everyone informed, involved, and connected.

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DEFINING KEY CLUB ROLES

Clear roles and responsibilities help clubs run smoothly and support everyone to do their best. This section shows how leaders can work together confidently to create a strong, successful club.

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SAFER RECRUITMENT AND FURTHER HR SUPPORT

A safe, welcoming club starts with the right people and the right support. This section covers safer recruitment, HR essentials, and good practice to help every team member thrive.

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This project was made possible thanks to the many committee members and coaches who generously shared their time and expertise - our sincere thanks to all of them.

This guide and its resources have been developed by Swim England for affiliated clubs. They offer general guidance only and are not a substitute for professional advice. Swim England accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Supporting Resources

1.1 Example role description for club chair volunteer templateDownload
1.2 Example job description for Head Coach employment templateDownload
2.1 Example application form employment templateDownload
3.1 Planning interview and example questions employment templateDownload
4.1 Example reference requestDownload
5.1 Example email requesting permission for DBS checkDownload
6.1 Example job offer employment templateDownload
6.2 Example Volunteer Agreement templateDownload
7.1 Checklist for managing inductionDownload
7.2 Initial mentoring form example employmentDownload
8.1 Review Meeting Appraisal Guidance employmentDownload
9.1 Example review appraisal meeting document employmentDownload
10.1 Swim England Code of conduct for coaches and teachersDownload
10.2 Swim England Code of conduct for committee members, officials and volunteersDownload
11.1 Example grievance procedure templateDownload
12.1 Example disciplinary procedure employmentDownload

*Please note, some resources are for volunteers, others for employment matters. Clubs should choose and adapt what best fits their needs.

Case Studies

Case Study: City of CoventryDownload
Case Study: City of NorwichDownload
Case Study: HalifaxDownload
Case Study: Long EatonDownload

In-person Club Workshops

Swim England offers facilitated workshops to help clubs put the Working Together ethos into practice.

Each session is tailored to your club’s needs and helps align values, vision, and culture so everyone works towards a shared purpose. Workshops also strengthen communication, clarify roles, and build collaboration between committees, coaches, and parents.

If your club is interested, please complete the Expression of Interest form below, and we’ll be in touch.

Expression of Interest Form
Workshop session
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