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Jo Stalley

Swim England Safeguarding Training Requirements

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Swim England is updating its safeguarding training requirements for all members who require a DBS check as part of their role in aquatics and in accordance with Wavepower.

From January 1 2024, the national governing body will only accept Swim England Safeguarding training for those working within our clubs, counties and regions as part of our commitment set out in the Heart of Aquatics

This change will be mandatory, with a phasing-in period for those who hold existing approved safeguarding training that will be valid until its expiry date. For those who have not previously completed a Swim England tutor-led course, this will be the first step to achieving compliance.

The expectation is that members will complete a three-hour tutor-led course as initial training – which is valid for three years – followed by a refresher course three years later so that training can move in a six-year cycle. This update also addresses a gap in the national governing bodies’ training policy to cover 16 and 17-year-olds who are in a ‘Position of Trust’.

From the start of next year, Swim England Safeguarding Training will be required for those in this age group that are in coaching or teaching roles and are delivering a Swim England-recognised activity.

If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Connecting with Coaches – Safeguarding

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The next Connecting with Coaches sessions will be led by Swim England’s Head of Safeguarding Kevin Suckling and Sport Governance and Welfare Manager Helen Weeks who will be providing an update on Safeguarding including the new team and focus, what happens when a concern is raised to the team and dispelling myths around coach investigations and suspensions. The sessions will also include an update on the governance review of clubs managed or run by other organisations and a three point check list for coaches working with their club committees to ensure they feel fully supported.

Two sessions will be taking place on Friday 5th May 12.30-13.30 and Tuesday 9th May 18.30-19.30. Please use the link to register for one or both of these sessions: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ConnectwithCoaches

There will be an opportunity to ask questions at both sessions however to ensure the sessions run to time please send any questions you may have and would like sharing in the session (these can remain anonymous if preferred) to [email protected]

 

Open Water Technical Officials course

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Open Water Technical Officials Course

These dates are primarily aimed at new Open Water officials, they can either be completely new to officiating or hold an officiating qualification in another discipline. However, any existing Level 1 officials who wish to upskill please complete the survey so that we can establish demand for a session just for this purpose.

The cost of the course is £20 for new officials, which will include a practical logbook and their first licence upon qualification, or £15 if they already hold a licence in another discipline. The cost for the upskilling course will be advised once demand has been established.

The link to register interest in the courses is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SEOWTO23 – please pass this on to anyone who may have previously expressed an interest in Open Water officiating.

If you have any questions please get in touch with [email protected]

Annual General Meeting – 26th April 2023

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The Swim England East Region AGM is taking place on Wednesday 26th April 2023.

There are a number of volunteer roles due to be appointed at the AGM this year – these are –

  • President Elect
  • 2 x Member nominated Directors
  • 2 x Regional Operations Committee members
  • Membership Officer
  • Licensing Officer
  • Welfare Officer
  • Artistic Swimming Manager
  • Diving Manager
  • Open Water Manager
  • Masters Manager
  • Swimming Manager
  • Swimming Officials Manager

A role description for each role is available on request for your reference.

If you are interested in applying for any of these roles, please complete this nomination form and email it to nominations@eastswimming.loxfyq1r35-lxd6r712q49g.p.temp-site.link – the closing date for nominations is Sunday 12th March 2023.

Please contact the Regional Chairman – Ian Cotton – with any queries on [email protected].

David Robinson – a sad loss to the swimming community

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It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing away of one of our members. David Robinson.

Having joined Mildenhall and District Swimming Club in 1979 when his two children started lessons there, David dedicated a large proportion of the last 41 years to the sport. Despite never being a competitive swimmer himself, he held various voluntary roles at club, county and regional level and as a Referee, he was often seen poolside at many many competitions. He was a member of the Suffolk County ASA for 35 years and a founding member of the East Region board when it was formed in 2005. Roles he held at club and county level include team manager, secretary, chairman and president. He was the East Region President in 2011 and has also been masters manager and records officer for the East Region, secretary and treasurer of the Fenland Swimming League and he was vice-president of Mildenhall and District Swimming Club adding to that his work as a national referee and also trainer of officials. David was also honoured with the Swim England Alfred H Turner Award back in 2020.

David will be sorely missed by all in the swimming community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Details of his funeral can be found here

New Disability Manager

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The region is delighted to announce that Peter Winter is to take on the role of Disability Manager with the region’s Disability Leadership Group. We welcome him to the team.

Seeking a New Regional Manager

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Swim England East Region is currently seeking an ambitious and self-motivated individual to take on the role of Regional Manager to join the team on a permanent basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading the development and governance within the region, providing support and guidance for East Region clubs and their members.  This role is key in driving and increasing the talent pool by ensuring effective, self-sustaining clubs are at the heart of the region’s development.

This role will be managing East Region staff to deliver an effective development programme. The role is seeking someone who is self-driven, flexible in their approach, and can prioritise the requirements of the region. To succeed in this role, the applicant will need to demonstrate strong leadership qualities, ideally have management experience, and have a results-driven perspective. A strong knowledge of the sector is essential.

Further information can be found here ; https://careers.swimming.org/vacancies/144/regional-manager–swim-england-east-region.html

 

World Mental Health Day

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10th of October is World Mental Health Day in order to help raise awareness and break the stigma around the topic. Even though we are busy people, lets take some time to give our mental health the focus it deserves.

– Allocate ‘me time’- Rather than waiting for some ‘free time’ which never tends to happen, try creating some space in your diary and schedule in a walk, or reading a book, or even just doing some breathing exercises.

– Eat properly- With busy schedules, breakfast often gets missed, or dinner gets eaten on the go. Try to make sure you are eating healthy meals and plan in advance so you are not reaching for last minute snacks on the go.

– Communicate- Be open with your friends and family with how you are feeling and things that are on your mind. They will also appreciate someone that reaches out to them to ask how they are doing.

One in four people experience mental health issues during their lifetime, yet it is often not given the attention it deserves. This October, let’s take some time to think about what we can all do to make some changes.