At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of high-quality swimming programmes across the Midlands and North West.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving aquatic access for all ages and abilities.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference in communities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in enhancing swimming skills and confidence in your local area.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in community sport or physical education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Field‑based role in the Midlands and North West region, with future regular travel expectations of 2‑3 times a week. Hours: 35 per week (Mon‑Fri).
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and collaborative Aquatics Competency Development Lead to support the development and delivery of high‑quality swimming and aquatic provision across the Midlands and North West region. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities can enjoy swimming confidently and competently. You will work closely with leisure operators, swim schools, education providers and community partners to strengthen local delivery of learn‑to‑swim and school swimming programmes. As part of a regional and national network of development leads, you will provide hands‑on support, build capability within the workforce, and help create sustainable, high‑quality aquatic environments. This is a field‑based role that requires strong relationship‑building, practical delivery support, and a passion for improving access to aquatic activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational, technical and practical guidance to leisure operators and swim schools to support the delivery and growth of learn‑to‑swim programmes, including commercial performance.
- Support schools, school swimming providers and leisure operators in developing and delivering effective school swimming programmes.
- Work with local partners across leisure, education, community sport and physical activity to deliver aquatic programmes and projects.
- Visit and support partners on‑site to build confidence, capability and quality within the aquatic workforce.
- Contribute to the growth of sustainable, high‑quality swimming provision across the region.
- Support the practical delivery of aquatic activities, including pool and open‑water environments where appropriate.
- Collaborate with regional colleagues across club development, safeguarding and business engagement to deliver a joined‑up service locally.
- Work as part of a national matrix team to design and deliver local development services across the aquatic and physical activity sector.
- Partner with Swim England regional teams to align and deliver local priorities.
- Contribute to the development of resources, tools and content to support learn‑to‑swim and school swimming delivery.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently across written, verbal and digital channels.
- Strong ability to build relationships, trust and rapport with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
- Collaborative approach, with a strong understanding of teamwork and cross‑functional working.
- Proactive and self‑motivated, with the ability to turn ideas into action and impact.
- Good knowledge of the local sport and physical activity landscape, including leisure operators, schools and community settings.
- Understanding of the strategic landscape for school sport, physical activity, community sport and leisure in England.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working within community sport, physical education or physical activity.
- Knowledge and experience of aquatic delivery.
- Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with diverse organisations and stakeholders.
Desirable
- Teaching or leading qualifications in swimming, or willingness to achieve these in post.
Aquatics Competency Development Lead employer: Swim England
As an Aquatics Competency Development Lead, you will join a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to enhancing swimming provision across the Midlands and North West. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in your community. With regular travel and a focus on building strong partnerships, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to sustainable aquatic environments while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquatics Competency Development Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local events, workshops, or community gatherings related to aquatics. Meeting people face-to-face can help us build those all-important relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow relevant organisations and professionals in the aquatics field on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their content and share your own insights to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or shadowing in local swim schools or community programmes. This hands-on experience not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to improving aquatic provision.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the aquatics sector. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Aquatics Competency Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Aquatics Competency Development Lead role. Highlight your experience in community sport and any relevant qualifications, showing us how you can contribute to our mission of improving access to aquatic activities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, as this will resonate with us.
Be Proactive and Passionate:We love candidates who show initiative! In your application, express your passion for swimming and community engagement. Tell us about any projects or ideas you've implemented that align with our goal of delivering high-quality aquatic provision.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim England
✨Know Your Aquatics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of swimming and aquatic programmes. Understand the local landscape, including leisure operators and schools in the Midlands and North West. Being able to discuss specific examples of successful learn-to-swim initiatives will show your passion and expertise.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role is all about relationship-building, practice how you can establish rapport with your interviewers. Use their names, listen actively, and engage in a friendly manner. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and collaborative approach right from the start.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in community sport or physical education. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully developed partnerships or delivered aquatic programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges they face in delivering aquatic programmes or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.
