Independent Non-Executive Director (Ined) in England

Aquatics GB is the Governing Body for Swimming, Para-Swimming, Diving, Artistic Swimming, Water Polo and High Diving in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high-performance representation of the sport and is a member of European Aquatics and World Aquatics. Aquatics GB seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World and Continental Championships.

The role of an Independent Non-Executive Director for Aquatics GB is to help ensure that the organisation focuses on its mission; providing, supporting and enabling its appropriate strategic direction; ensuring the delivery of the corporate plan together with a sustainable performance culture and fiduciary duties.

For Aquatics GB, where regulatory scrutiny and financial accountability are a priority, having an INED with strong strategic governance experience is key. This is a pivotal role, and the successful candidate will bring senior financial expertise to the Board role and in the oversight, as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk of British Swimming Ltd (trading as Aquatics GB) and to provide challenge, assurance and input into the risk management of the business model and strategy.

Objectives and Role Requirements:

• Attending up to five Aquatics GB Board meetings per year and contributing to ensure that the objectives of Aquatics GB, the targets set out in our Strategy and the overall vision for Aquatics are achieved and within budget.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting of Aquatics GB each year, and any other Aquatics GB General Meetings which may be called from time to time.
• Where appropriate, acting as a Board liaison member on Board sub‑committees or other committees and undertaking the roles and responsibilities set out in the applicable job description for this position.
• Participating in appropriate activities, as requested, to raise the profile of Aquatics GB as a key influencer with our partners and stakeholders including our Home Nations, UK and international organisations.
• Participating in an agreed appraisal process for Board members. Preparing appropriately for each Board meeting and keeping up to date with current developments in sport.
• Adhering to the principles of the Code for Governance and maintaining the high standards for compliance.

Independent Non-Executive Director – Specific Experience:

• Aquatics GB is seeking to appoint an INED with a strong finance background. We are interested in candidates who have both a finance background and who have held executive leadership roles bringing experience of organisational development and operational delivery to strengthen the Aquatics GB Board.
• Provide effective oversight of Aquatics GB’s financial management, financial sustainability, and long‑term financial strategy.
• As Chair, lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring that the Committee meets its objectives as set out in its Terms of Reference, in reviewing the integrity of Aquatics GB’s financial statements, financial reporting, and related disclosures.
• Review significant financial risks, including liquidity, reserves, funding arrangements, and major financial commitments.
• Provide assurance to the Board that Aquatics GB has appropriate processes for identifying, managing, and mitigating risk.
• Provide independent, unbiased and constructive challenge to the Board and executive management on financial and risk matters, while maintaining an appropriate separation between oversight and day‑time financial management.
• Provide assurance to the Board regarding Aquatics GB’s internal controls, system management including financial oversight and compliance with relevant law and regulation.
• Review and challenge regular reporting on Aquatics GB’s full financial position, ensuring internal and external reporting is accurate and fair.

The following skills and experience are required:

• A Chartered Accountant with experience at Board level of financial management, financial oversight.
• Senior leadership experience within a corporate or regulated environment.
• Ability to scrutinise financial information, identify key issues and provide constructive challenge to executive management and the Board.
• Demonstrated experience and influencing capability relevant to good corporate governance.
• Experience of setting and working to strategic plans and objectives.
• Experience of overseeing organisational risk, including financial, operational, regulatory, reputational and strategic risks.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build effective relationships while maintaining independence.
• Experience of advising boards and serving on boards with relevant strategic finance remit and able to contribute to strategic decision making.
• Demonstrable understanding of directors’ duties, and financial responsibilities.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Leadership and / or Board experience in high-performing, complex stakeholder environments.
• Collaborative and Inclusive leadership style with the ability to build effective relationships while maintaining independence.
• Independent thinker with strong ethical judgement who can provide constructive challenge and robust scrutiny in the effective support of and contribute to fostering a constructive and collaborative Boardroom culture.