Board and Executive

Sportandrecreation; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national governing body for water sports is seeking a Non-Executive Director (Legal & Governance) to enhance governance, ensure legal compliance, and support the organisation's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in legal or governance roles and possess strong interpersonal skills. This unpaid voluntary role requires approximately 1–2 days commitment each month. Expenses for travel and accommodation are covered, highlighting the opportunity for impactful contribution within a dedicated board environment.

Benefits

Travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in legal, governance or regulatory environments.
• Strong understanding of legal duties and responsibilities of Directors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Act in the best interests of Swim England.
• Provide strategic legal and governance insights.
• Support Board and Senior Leadership Team with legal implications.

Skills

Legal expertise

Governance oversight

Strong judgement

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job description

Non Executive Director - Legal & Governance

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

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 As a Non‑Executive Director (Legal & Governance), you will:

• 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.

Further Information

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. If you feel you have the suitable skills and attributes for this position then we would love to read your application, detailing how you meet the brief, and how you believe you’re the right candidate for this opportunity.