Non Executive Director - Legal & Governance

Sportandrecreation; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A national governing body for aquatic sports is seeking a Non-Executive Director (Legal & Governance). This role involves providing legal and governance expertise to ensure compliance and best practices are met. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in legal environments, strong judgement, and excellent communication skills. The role requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion and participation in Board meetings. This is an unpaid voluntary position with travel expenses reimbursed.

Benefits

Travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in legal, governance or regulatory environments.
• Strong understanding of legal duties of corporate and charity Directors.
• Ability to apply legal and governance considerations pragmatically.

Responsibilities

• Act in the best interests of Swim England with integrity.
• Provide legal insight to support compliant decision-making.
• Contribute to an inclusive and collaborative Board culture.

Skills

Legal and governance experience

Strong judgement

Excellent interpersonal skills

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job description

Non Executive Director - Legal & Governance

Organisation: Swim England
Salary: N/A
Location: Loughborough
Contract type: 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

• 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.

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: [e-mail]