At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and guide Swim Wales in its mission to promote aquatic sports for everyone.
- Company: Swim Wales, the National Governing Body for aquatic sport in Wales.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of aquatic sports and make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in enhancing community participation and elite performance in aquatics.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Chair or Non-Executive Director with strong governance skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Swim Wales is entering an exciting and ambitious phase of its development. As the National Governing Body for aquatic sport in Wales, Swim Wales is delivering against its ambitious YMLAEN strategy; a long-term vision focused on “Aquatics for Everyone for Life”. With more than half a million weekly participants engaging in aquatic activity across Wales, the organisation continues to strengthen its impact across community participation, club development, education, wellbeing and elite performance.
Recent years have seen significant progress across governance, safeguarding and engagement, alongside continued investment into pathways, facilities, learn-to-swim programmes and inclusive participation initiatives. Swim Wales is widely recognised for its collaborative approach and commitment to creating safe, accessible and high-performing environments across the sport.
This is a pivotal appointment for an experienced and values-led leader who can provide strategic guidance, champion excellent governance and support the continued growth and evolution of aquatic sport across Wales. The successful candidate will bring prior board-level experience alongside the ability to lead with integrity, collaboration and purpose.
We are particularly interested in speaking with individuals who can demonstrate:
- Experience as a Chair, Senior Independent Director or Non-Executive Director
- A strong track record of governance excellence and effective board leadership
- A creative and forward-thinking approach, with the ability to support innovation and organisational development
- Evidence of delivering meaningful organisational impact through non-executive leadership
- The ability to build trusted relationships with external agencies and strategic partners
- Strong communication and public speaking skills, including representing organisations at high-profile events
The Chair will also bring excellent relationship-building capability, sound judgement and the ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to executive leadership, while championing inclusive and high-performing cultures.
For a confidential discussion or to request further information, please contact: Neil Edwards at McBride Sport on nedwards@mcbride-sport.com
Chair employer: Swim Wales
Swim Wales is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its team members. With a strong commitment to governance excellence and community engagement, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on aquatic sports across Wales while benefiting from professional development and networking opportunities within a supportive environment. Join us in our mission to promote 'Aquatics for Everyone for Life' and be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values integrity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aquatic sport community and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Swim Wales and its YMLAEN strategy. Show us that you understand their vision and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your governance excellence and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As a potential Chair, you'll need to represent Swim Wales at high-profile events. Get comfortable sharing your ideas and experiences in a clear and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining the Swim Wales team and contributing to the future of aquatic sport in Wales.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand Swim Wales and its YMLAEN strategy. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with their goals and values. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in aquatics and community engagement!
Showcase Your Leadership:Highlight your previous board-level experience and governance excellence. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams or initiatives successfully. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with real-life achievements!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build relationships and communicate effectively, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for aquatic sports and your vision for the future!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim Wales
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Swim Wales' YMLAEN strategy and its impact on aquatic sports. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and governance improvements, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous board-level experiences in detail. Highlight specific examples where you’ve demonstrated effective governance and leadership, especially in fostering collaboration and innovation within an organisation.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build trusted relationships with external agencies and partners. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past, as this is crucial for the role of Chair.
✨Practice Your Public Speaking
Since strong communication skills are key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews or speaking in front of friends to refine your public speaking abilities, especially for high-profile events.
