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Non-Executive Director – Leisure Industry, Institute of Swimming
Swim England
Swim England is the national governing body for swimming, diving, water polo, open water swimming, and synchronised swimming in England. It forms part of British Swimming, a federation of the national governing bodies of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Job Posted- 18 Sep 2026
Status- Part Time
Location- England
Closing date- 6 Oct 2026
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced leisure-sector leader to join the Institute of Swimming Board as a Non-Executive Director.
You will provide independent oversight, strategic insight and constructive challenge, contributing to the Institute’s long-term success, financial sustainability and strategic development.
Bringing significant leadership experience from the leisure, fitness, recreation or aquatic sectors, you will help ensure the Institute remains responsive to employer needs, workforce challenges, customer expectations and emerging industry trends.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Fulfil the legal responsibilities of a company Director.
- Contribute to organisational strategy, governance and Board decision-making.
- Monitor performance, financial sustainability and key risks.
- Provide strategic insight into the leisure, fitness and aquatic sectors.
- Help the Board understand workforce trends, skills shortages and employer requirements.
- Represent the needs of leisure operators, local authorities, trusts and private providers.
- Contribute to discussions on product development, customer engagement and commercial opportunities.
- Help identify emerging industry opportunities, risks and potential partnerships.
- Support and constructively challenge the Chair and Senior Executive Lead.
- Consider the interests of learners, employers, volunteers, clubs and other stakeholders.
- Promote the Institute’s values, reputation and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Act as an ambassador for the Institute of Swimming and its contribution to the wider aquatic sector.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Significant leadership experience within leisure, fitness, recreation or aquatics.
- A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing leisure operators and employers.
- Experience in workforce development, customer engagement or commercial service delivery.
- A broad professional network across relevant sectors.
- The ability to translate industry trends into strategic insight and practical recommendations.
- An understanding of the responsibilities of a company Director, Trustee or equivalent.
- The ability to exercise independent judgement and provide constructive challenge.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- High standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- A collaborative approach and the confidence to support and challenge appropriately.
Additional Information
This is a voluntary appointment for an initial four-year term, with the possibility of a second four-year term.
The expected commitment is approximately half a day per month, including four online Board meetings each year, preparation, engagement with the Senior Executive Lead and occasional stakeholder representation.
Please be advised that we cannot offer visa sponsorship and that you must have right to work in the UK to apply or be considered for this role. If you are a non-UK/EU National, you must have an appropriate working Visa to undertake employment. You must also be working within the UK to apply or be considered for this role, due to the public liability insurance Swim England holds.
Swim England is committed to inclusion and embraces the spirit of equality legislation. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are guaranteed an interview. We are also piloting a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Candidates who opt in to the scheme and demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Applicants can indicate if they wish to opt in by answering the relevant question within the application form.
Where possible, Swim England will always make reasonable adjustments for accessibility to anyone who requires it.
If you would like any of the documentation in a different format or would like to apply in a different way please get in touch. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, in line with the Equality Act 2010. However, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Swim England is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.