The future of aquatics relies heavily on the skills, knowledge and commitment of its volunteers.
When you become a volunteer you will make a crucial difference to the aquatics community as well as finding the experience hugely awarding. This page will give you all the information to start your volunteer journey.
Swim England have produced Good Club Guides to help clubs support volunteers, including information on roles and responsibilities, general information and guidance and useful links to additional learning opportunities.
Additional information with regards to retaining and rewarding volunteers can be found on the Swim England website.
Following discussions with clubs, we have created a list of the current online training seminars, workshops and e-learning that are available to the wide variety of Club Volunteers:
A course has been created for Swim England members keen to volunteer as a team manager in their aquatics club. Click here to find a SENW course and book your place.
The team manager module 1 course is aimed at those who are starting out on their volunteering journey and focuses on single day competitions or camps where there is no overnight stay.
It covers all aquatic disciplines and will be delivered via a two-hour webinar hosted on zoom. Participants will be guided through the course content, be able to ask questions and get involved with the group text discussions.
The Team Manager Module 2 is a course designed for Swim England members who have already completed their Team Manager – Module 1 course and wish to progress to volunteer on overnight events or swim camps which include an overnight stay. Click here to find a SENW course and book your place.
The Safeguarding courses are designed for anyone in a role where they are working with young or vulnerable people, both in a swimming teaching and coaching environment. Completing this course will support club SwimMark submissions and is an integral part of Swim England’s Club Affiliation process.
Please note, from January 1st 2024, Swim England will ONLY accept Swim England Safeguarding certificates for any role where a Safeguarding qualification is required. This will be a rolling introduction meaning that the Swim England face to face course must be completed in the first instance as a qualification expires, this can then be followed 3 years later, by completing an online renewal (this must be completed before the initial qualification expires), this must then be followed by a face to face course 3 years later.
This course is designed for Club Welfare Officers. Please click here to find a course and book your place.
Swim England run a wide range of Free Workshops, which we would highly recommend that anyone in any of these roles attends.
In addition to the above workshops, Swim England also run the following forums which any club Chairperson/Welfare Officer are welcome to attend – these forums provide Swim England to provide important updates whilst also providing club Chairperson/Welfare Officers the opportunity to come together and share good practice and seek support for issues raised:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is an important part of any club in order to ensure they are encouraging as many people as possible to take part. The Institute of Swimming have two CPDs which we would recommend all clubs to ensure are completed by at least one relevant person.
Where any of the above CPDs/Forums/Workshops are a requirement for either SwimMark Accreditation or Club Affiliation, this is highlighted next to them.
Club Matters offers a variety of online modules for the club workforce to take part in and learn more about a range of topics, including:
In addition to the above modules, Club Matters also have a range of free virtual workshops available including:
This latest webinar is designed as an extra resource to help club welfare officers fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities. Hosted by Jude Toasland, CPSU Consultant, it touches on what is included in a Time to Listen club welfare officer course, and runs through some frequently asked questions. Jude also provides details of changes in legislation from 2018 to 2020, and give details on where to find additional resources and information to help with the role.
The four modules, developed in partnership with 1st4sport and UK Coaching, and funded by Sport England and the National Lottery – will increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health, providing you with the practical skills and strategies to be able to:
Please click here to access the training.
