New strategy One Swim England signals bold commitment to change

Swim England has published a bold, unwavering commitment to change with the launch of a new strategy which has been shaped with the help of the aquatics community.

One Swim England sets out the national governing body’s vision – ‘Great experiences in water. For all. For life’ – and a mission to ‘lead and serve an aquatics community to enable safe, enjoyable and successful experiences’.

At its heart are four values – we include, we are ambitious, we collaborate and we do what’s right – and 18 goals which sets out the organisation’s roadmap for the future.

It has been created following insight received from the Vision and Values Roadshows – a nationwide tour attended by hundreds of participants, volunteers, club committee members, coaches, technical officials, team managers, parents, event organisers, county and regional representatives, operators plus Swim England staff.

Their feedback – along with observations contained in the Listening Report – has informed One Swim England.

Andy Salmon, Swim England chief executive, said cultural change and collaboration ran through the strategy like a golden thread, thanks to views from the Swim England community.

He added: “One Swim England represents a significant milestone for us as an organisation and, I hope, the whole of the aquatics community.

“I am incredibly excited about the mandate to lead the sports combined with our commitment to serving a growing aquatics community.

Exciting journey

“The strategy signals a clear intent to support lifelong participation, making an even stronger case for the many health benefits associated with swimming. By being more collaborative and outcome focused, we look forward to what can be achieved in partnership with other organisations with aligned objectives and values.

“At the foundation of One Swim England are a set of deeply rooted values that serve as the guiding principles that will shape our every move and every difficult decision. They reflect what truly matters to the aquatics community.

“By living these values, we aim to create a culture where everyone is safe to experience the joys of aquatics and is encouraged to participate, learn, grow and also feels valued, supported and motivated to achieve their own goals, whatever they may be. In turn, we aim to rebuild trust and dismantle the culture of fear called out in the Listening Report.

“It’s an exciting journey to be heading on and I’d like to thank everyone who attended the Vision and Values Roadshows or have shared their experiences with us – your role in shaping One Swim England has been invaluable.”

While One Swim England has 18 goals in total, eight priorities have been identified for 2025.

Andy added: “It’s simply not going to be possible or appropriate to focus on all 18 goals in the next 12 months. We have prioritised the areas that we believe will lay the foundations for long term, sustainable success, right across the strategy.

“We’re thrilled about what lies ahead and can’t wait for everyone involved in the aquatics community to be part of this vibrant, evolving story of One Swim England.“

To view One Swim England in full, please click here.