At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Swim England Board to enhance safeguarding culture and governance.
- Company: Swim England, the national governing body for aquatic sports in England.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a strategic role while supporting community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ensuring safe and enjoyable aquatic experiences for all.
- Qualifications: Extensive safeguarding expertise and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Voluntary role with flexible commitment of 1-2 days per month.
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 an experienced and insightful Non‑Executive Director (Safeguarding) to join the Swim England Board. This strategic leadership role is central to shaping and strengthening safeguarding culture, governance and assurance across the organisation. As a member of our Board, you will provide inclusive, values‑led oversight and guidance, bringing specialist safeguarding expertise to help ensure safe, enjoyable and positive experiences for everyone in aquatics. You will support proportionate, evidence‑based decision making, help the Board understand safeguarding risks and opportunities, and contribute to continuous improvement in systems, culture and frameworks. This is a voluntary, governance‑level position suited to individuals with substantial safeguarding expertise and a commitment to Swim England’s vision of great experiences in water, for all, for life.
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 its vision and values.
- Provide strategic safeguarding and welfare insight to inform evidence‑based decisions.
- Support continuous improvement in safeguarding culture, systems, policy frameworks and assurance.
- Advise the Board on safeguarding risk, emerging practice, sector standards and expectations.
- Participate in working groups, advisory meetings or reviews where specialist input is required.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative and effective Board environment.
- Champion and role‑model Swim England’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Extensive senior‑level safeguarding expertise, ideally in sport, education or another regulated sector.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory frameworks and learning‑based best practice.
- Understanding of the legal duties and liabilities of corporate and charity Directors.
- Open‑minded, with the ability to listen, consider diverse perspectives and constructively challenge.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills across varied audiences.
- Strong judgement, integrity, intellectual curiosity and evidence‑informed decision‑making capability.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and alignment with Swim England’s purpose and values.
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.
Organisation: Swim England
Location: Loughborough
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 15 January 2026
Interview date: 26 January 2026
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We cannot offer visa sponsorship. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applications from disabled people. Applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds may opt into our guaranteed interview scheme by stating “Opt In” in their email. For accessibility requests or alternative application formats, contact.
Non-Executive Director - Safeguarding in Loughborough employer: Sportandrecreation
Contact Detail:
Sportandrecreation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director - Safeguarding in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aquatics sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even recommendations that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Swim England’s values and recent initiatives. Show us how your safeguarding expertise aligns with our mission. Tailor your examples to demonstrate your commitment to creating safe and inclusive aquatic environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on our radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with our platform. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any updates.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director - Safeguarding in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive safeguarding expertise and aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience can contribute to Swim England's mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for safeguarding and how you can help shape a positive culture at Swim England. Remember, we love a good story that connects your values with ours.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your excellent communication and influencing skills. We’re looking for someone who can engage with diverse audiences, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Swim England family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sportandrecreation
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your safeguarding knowledge before the interview. Understand the latest legislation, best practices, and how they apply to the aquatic environment. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Show Your Values
Swim England is all about inclusivity and community. Be prepared to share examples of how you've championed diversity and inclusion in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you align with their vision and values, which is crucial for a Non-Executive Director.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Swim England's current safeguarding strategies and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a potential board member, your communication skills are key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points, and don’t shy away from discussing how you can contribute to the Board’s effectiveness.