Introduction
In 2024, our National Governing Body (NGB), Swim England launched a new strategy, informed by the Listening Report and interactive roadshows. The strategy was developed collaboratively with input from all stakeholder groups within Swim England, including the regions.
The output of this process was their ONE SWIM ENGLAND strategy, launched in 2024, which is intended to convey an unwavering commitment to change to create a more positive culture with enjoyable experiences in water for everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.
The South East Region strongly support this approach and have adopted the same principles, and you will recognise a similar tone, structure and language. However, because the South East Region is currently the largest region within Swim England, representing in 2025, over 20% of the total membership (37,567 members), 6 County Associations and 173 Clubs our priorities have been developed to address these specific regional challenges and will be updated as the Strategy evolves.
As always, the successful delivery of this Strategy will be dependent on great collaboration between all of us. In some instances, the main activity will be guided centrally and in others the Region will provide leadership and support where it is needed.
It is important to emphasise that our Strategy continues to support our fundamental commitment to strong clubs, talent pathways and excellent competitions but also includes new areas including Access to Water, Learn to Swim and Aquatics for Health & Wellbeing.
OUR VISION
Aquatics for All
OUR MISSION
To support and enable our clubs to deliver enjoyable aquatic experiences in a safe and inclusive environment
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OUR VALUES
We are inclusive
We consult, collaborate and guide
We are transparent and communicate clearly
We hold ourselves accountable
We are ambitious
We demonstrate professionalism and leadership
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FOUNDATIONS OF THE STRATEGY
Trusted Welfare & Safeguarding
We will continue to promote acceptable standards of behaviour in an environment where everyone feels safe to enjoy their sport and to raise concerns without fear.
We will focus on listening , education, and the development and implementation of best practice.
Stronger Clubs
Aquatic Clubs remain at the centre of our sports and we will remain committed to supporting them with guidance and assistance to strengthen the positive experience of all involved – athletes, coaches, teachers, volunteers and officials, parents and carers.
Access to Water
Access to appropriate facilities is an imperative to success and is a constant challenge. We will continue to advocate and partner where possible with operators, local authorities and our NGB to ensure sufficient quality and quantity of blue space.
Principled Culture
In the spirit of our stated values we will develop an environment where everyone feels included, valued and encouraged to enjoy aquatic sports.
Outstanding Events
We will remain committed to delivering high quality events that deliver positive experiences for all involved and encourage athletes to thrive and succeed.
Effective Talent Pathways
Guided by our NGB, we will ensure a cohesive and effective programme for all disciplines ensuring athletes have the opportunity to achieve their personal goals and maximum potential.
Learn to Swim
We will encourage participation in Learn to Swim for all ages through advocacy and education, reinforcing Learn to Swim as the route to participation in all disciplines.
OUR ENABLERS
Build Trust
We will ensure open, honest and regular communication across all stakeholder communities.
We will set and meet expectations and routinely seek feedback.
We will establish opportunities for interactive engagement across all stakeholder groups.
Outstanding People
We will continue to build a strong community of dedicated and committed volunteers, staff, coaches, officials and tutors.
We will provide the necessary support to develop their skills and expertise and we will recognise and celebrate their success.
Operational Excellence
We remain committed to maintaining a strong framework of governance and delivering our objectives as effectively and efficiently as possible. We will make good use of supporting technology.
We will monitor and manage performance with an ambition for continuous improvement.
Strengthen Revenue
We will remain committed to investing in the development and success of all our members and will prioritise efforts to ensure a viable and sustainable income stream to meet these increasing challenges.
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HOW THIS STRATEGY WILL GROW AQUATICS
Increasing Engagement
We will actively promote inclusivity and work collaboratively inside and outside of our existing community to remove barriers to participation and attract new members.
Build Effective Partnerships
We will identify and develop mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance access to and delivery of aquatic sport.
Aquatics for Health & Wellbeing
We will actively promote the positive benefits of aquatic sport for health and mental wellbeing, encouraging participation regardless of age or ability.
Develop All Aquatic Disciplines
We will ensure all aquatic disciplines are provided with support to develop and thrive in the Region, increasing participation at all levels.
