Non Executive Director - Legal & Governance in Loughborough

Organisation: Swim England

Location: Loughborough

Contract: Volunteer (Part time)

Closing date: 15 January 2026

Interview date: 26 January 2026

About Us

Swim England is the recognised national governing body for swimming, artistic swimming, diving and water polo in England. We help people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and maximise their potential in aquatic sport at every level – from community participation to world‑class performance. We work with clubs, coaches, teachers and volunteers across the country to create safe, inclusive and inspiring aquatic environments. As a membership organisation and charity, we are committed to supporting the growth of our sports, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a lifelong love of the water.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and values‑led Non‑Executive Director (Legal & Governance) to join the Swim England Board. This strategic leadership role is critical to ensuring our governance, legal compliance and organisational assurance are robust, forward‑looking and aligned with best practice. As part of our Board, you will bring legal and governance expertise to help shape proportionate, evidence‑informed decisions, ensuring the organisation operates with integrity and in accordance with the Code for Sports Governance, charity and company law, and relevant regulatory requirements. You will act as an ambassador for One Swim England, championing our vision of great experiences in water, for all, for life, while contributing to a strong, inclusive and effective Board environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act in the best interests of Swim England with honesty, integrity and good faith.
• Serve as an ambassador for One Swim England and our organisational values.
• Provide strategic legal and governance insight to support informed, robust and compliant decision‑making.
• Contribute to strong governance practice and organisational assurance, including alignment with the Code for Sports Governance and relevant legislation.
• Support the Board and Senior Leadership Team by interpreting legal and governance implications relating to policy, risk and strategic delivery.
• Participate in relevant working groups, advisory groups or project meetings where legal and governance expertise is valuable.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and effective Board culture.
• Champion and role‑model Swim England’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in legal, governance or regulatory environments.
• Strong understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of corporate and charity Directors.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply legal and governance considerations clearly and pragmatically.
• Open‑minded, with the ability to listen, evaluate diverse perspectives and constructively challenge.
• Strong judgement, integrity, intellectual curiosity and strategic thinking.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across varied audiences.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and alignment with Swim England’s values and purpose.

Desirable

• Knowledge of, or enthusiasm for, aquatic and membership sports.

Terms of Engagement

Approximately 1–2 days per month, including Board meetings and occasional working group involvement. This is an unpaid voluntary role. Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed in line with Swim England policy.

How to Apply

To apply email with your CV and cover letter to: swimengland@macildowie.com. We cannot offer visa sponsorship and you must have right to work in the UK to apply or be considered. If you are a non UK/EU National, you must have an appropriate working Visa and be working within the UK due to Swim England’s public liability insurance. Swim England is committed to inclusion. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from disabled people. We also run a pilot scheme allowing applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds to opt into a guaranteed interview scheme if they meet the essential criteria. Applicants may state their Opt In in the CV or cover letter. We will make reasonable adjustments for accessibility where required. If you need any documentation in a different format or wish to apply in another way, please contact swimengland@macildowie.com. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, in line with the Equality Act 2010. Swim England also commits to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, expecting all volunteers to share this commitment.