Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, ensuring financial oversight and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Swim England is the national governing body for aquatic sports, promoting inclusivity and excellence.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed; flexible commitment of 1-2 days per month.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aquatic sports while shaping governance and strategy for a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Financial qualification and senior experience required; passion for sport and inclusivity is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence the future of aquatic sports across England.
Job Description
Location: Nationwide (with three in-person meetings per year in Loughborough)Commitment: Around 1-2 days per monthTerm: Initial four-year term (with potential for a second)Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed in line with Swim England policy)
Are you a strategic, executive finance leader who believes in the power of sport to change lives? Want to play a central role in shaping the future of aquatic sports across England? This is your opportunity to lead from the front.
Swim England – the national governing body for swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo – is seeking a new Non-Executive Director to Chair our Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. This is a vital Board position for someone who brings not only deep financial acumen, but also a passion for strong governance, strategic oversight and inclusive leadership.
About the Opportunity
As Chair of our Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, you'll be responsible for overseeing financial strategy, risk management and compliance – ensuring that Swim England continues to operate with transparency, accountability and integrity.
You'll also play a broader strategic role as a Non-Executive Director on our Board, supporting Swim England's ambition to provide great experiences in water, for all, for life.
In this role, you'll:
- Lead the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, helping maintain best-in-class financial oversight
- Support long-term financial planning, risk management, and compliance with the Code for Sports Governance
- Act as a critical friend to the senior leadership team, ensuring robust decision-making and sound financial stewardship
- Help drive performance against strategic goals, and challenge constructively where needed
- Promote a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability across the Board and wider organisation
What we're looking for
We're seeking a confident, collaborative and strategically minded finance professional, with:
- A recognised financial qualification and significant experience at senior organisational level
- Strong governance expertise, ideally including audit or risk committee experience
- The ability to lead and influence effectively at Board level
- A clear understanding of the duties of a company and charity director
- Ideally possess previous experience of being a Non-Executive director
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An open, inclusive and forward-thinking approach
- Previous experience in sport is not essential, but an enthusiasm for aquatic, membership-based sports or healthy living is highly desirable.
We also welcome additional expertise in areas such as:
- Vocational education and training
- Safeguarding and welfare in sport
- Environmental sustainability
- Public policy and government engagement
Why Swim England?
As the national governing body for aquatic sports, we're proud to lead a passionate, diverse community across England. We're committed to creating environments where everyone can enjoy the water – from grassroots to elite level – and we take our responsibility as a leader in sport seriously.
As a Board member, you'll contribute around 1-2 days per month, including up to six Board meetings annually (three in person, three online) and approximately five Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meetings.
This is a voluntary role, with all reasonable travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed in line with policy.
Ready to make a real impact?
If you're ready to bring your financial expertise and strategic thinking to a sport with purpose, we'd love to hear from you. Please e-mail our chosen recruitment partner for more information and to request a candidate briefing pack.
Apply now and help lead the future of aquatic sport in England.
Please put your home postcode on your CV when applying. Our recruitment tech uses this to make sure your CV is reviewed by the relevant consultant, for the relevant job(s), in the relevant geography.
Macildowie are a recruitment business working on behalf of a client to recruit this role. Your personal data may be forwarded to that client company as part of the application process.
If you would like information on how we will process your data please go to our website (macildowie.com) and view our fair processing notices which are located at the bottom of the page under privacy policies. Within the fair processing notice for Candidates there is guidance on how to amend your contact preferences or exercise your rights relating to personal data. We can't provide direct links as email address and website urls within our job adverts are removed by some of the websites on which we advertise.
Macildowie is a specialist recruitment consultancy with a rich history of enhancing the careers of professionals across the Midlands and the Northern Home Counties. We have an unrivalled understanding of the local market place and recruit for the majority of the region's premier employers. To search for all of our live jobs please visit us at macildowie.com.
Chair of Audit and Risk Committee - Non-Executive Director employer: Macildowie Recruitment and Retention
Contact Detail:
Macildowie Recruitment and Retention Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Audit and Risk Committee - Non-Executive Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars related to aquatic sports, governance, or financial oversight. This will help you connect with key individuals who may provide insights or even recommend you for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Swim England's mission and values. Understanding their strategic goals and current challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your expertise aligns with their needs during interviews or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider joining relevant committees or boards in your local community or professional organisations. Gaining experience in governance roles will not only enhance your CV but also provide practical examples of your leadership and strategic thinking skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends and regulations in both the sports and finance sectors. Being knowledgeable about current issues can help you engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your commitment to the role during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Audit and Risk Committee - Non-Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your financial qualifications and relevant experience. Emphasise any previous roles in governance, audit, or risk management, as well as your strategic leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for aquatic sports and how your expertise aligns with Swim England's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to governance and financial oversight in past roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience as a Non-Executive Director or in similar roles, make sure to detail this in your application. Discuss your understanding of the duties of a company and charity director, and how you can bring value to the Board.
Include Your Postcode: Don’t forget to include your home postcode on your CV. This is crucial for ensuring your application is reviewed by the right consultant for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Macildowie Recruitment and Retention
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
As a candidate for the Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, it's crucial to showcase your deep financial expertise. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in financial oversight and how you've successfully managed risk in past roles.
✨Showcase Governance Experience
Highlight any experience you have with governance, particularly in audit or risk committees. Discuss specific examples where you contributed to strong governance practices and how you can bring that knowledge to Swim England.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Collaboration
Swim England values inclusivity and collaboration. Be ready to share your approach to fostering these values within a board setting. Provide examples of how you've promoted a culture of teamwork and accountability in previous roles.
✨Express Passion for Aquatic Sports
While previous experience in sport isn't essential, showing enthusiasm for aquatic sports can set you apart. Share your personal connection to swimming or other water-based activities, and how that passion drives your commitment to the role.
