SwimMark FAQs

Throughout 2024, Swim England has conducted a thorough review of SwimMark for the first time since 2017. The review consulted regions, clubs and the wider aquatics community around the purpose of SwimMark and what the future of club development should look like. Based on these findings, the SwimMark review group concluded that the current accreditation scheme no longer meets the objective of supporting clubs and has become compliance focused. We want to support clubs to develop and so SwimMark has been paused for any further submissions whilst we focus on the development of a new club-centred framework

We paused the accreditation scheme from 1 November 2024. This will give us time to develop a robust support framework for clubs. Once we have that framework in place, SwimMark will officially be withdrawn. We will keep all clubs updated throughout 2025.

The last submission for SwimMark was 1 November 2024. After this, the Regions will not validate any further documents. However, as a club you can continue to use the SwimMark templates and have access to development officer support which has always been in place. Whilst SwimMark is paused, all clubs will still be required to complete Club Affiliation at their usual renewal quarter. You can find out what is required as part of Club Affiliation by clicking here.

The SwimMark portal is also used to submit evidence for Club Affiliation. The last submission for SwimMark was 1 November 2024. After this all clubs will only be able to upload to Club Affiliation elements as part of the minimum standard during their renewal period.

When you access the portal to complete your Club Affiliation submission, you will need to select ‘Club Affiliation’ from the drop down .  The SwimMark area has been disabled for uploading documents.  However you can still view your previous Swim Mark submissions in this area.

If you are a club who has already uploaded evidence onto the portal, then please speak to your regional officer.

You will need to have been identified as an officer by your club who needs access to the SwimMark portal. If you already have a log in, the portal can be found by clicking here. You will be able to view previous submissions to track your development.

Clubs who currently hold SwimMark accreditation will continue to do so to recognise the standards they have evidenced and the work that has gone into providing that evidence. SwimMark status will remain valid until Swim England confirms the new club development framework.

As a club affiliated to Swim England, you would be required to complete the Club Affiliation requirements, which is the minimum standard for clubs to be affiliated to Swim England. You can find out more about the Club Affiliation process by clicking here.

SwimMark’s original purpose was that it was used as a development tool which clubs utilised to create the best possible aquatic experience for everyone. Clubs could have gone on to do SwimMark but Club Affiliation was always the minimum standard.

If you currently hold SwimMark, you can continue to use the logo until further notice.

We are working with those operators who recognise SwimMark. If you are facing difficulties, please reach out to us via [email protected]

We are working on removing any references to SwimMark, including website and publication references. This will take a bit of time to find all the information so please bear with us over the next few weeks whilst we make these changes.

We want to take time to develop the right type of framework for clubs. This will be a club-centred approach with flexible principles. We will keep you updated throughout 2025.

We felt we could not continue to ask clubs to complete the SwimMark submissions when it was clear to us throughout the review that it was an administrative burden on volunteers. We would not want our volunteers to continue spending time on an accreditation scheme which no longer meets our ambition to support and develop clubs.

The Swim England Club Health Tracker is our innovative online tool which assists clubs to review and measure their club development work and benchmark against other clubs, regionally and nationally. The report found that a new club development framework should be created but the tracker does provide a good basis for us on what a new club development framework could look like and something which can be implemented to support the new future framework.

The Swim England Club Health Tracker tool will provide this functionality and will be open for submissions again shortly in 2025.

Our clubs are important to us and it is therefore crucial that Swim England gives this process the necessary time and attention required to create a modern framework that will support clubs in the coming years. Part of this will be to use the feedback gained from the SwimMark review, along with feedback gained from the Values and Vision Roadshows and the Listening Report, to include solutions to issues raised and include great ideas we’ve received. We are committed to providing regular updates on progress and understand that clubs will be keen to receive further guidance.

Yes. SwimMark clubs will be able to continue to access this benefit. This will be valid until your next renewal date (12 months).

Yes. SwimMark clubs will be able to continue to access this benefit. This will be valid until your next renewal date (12 months).

We want to support all clubs to meet their development needs so we will not be prioritising any club.

Yes. SwimMark clubs will be able to continue to access this benefit. This will be valid until your next renewal date (12 months).

Please contact your regional officers to understand any changes to funding.

Club Affiliation is a minimum standard which clubs are expected to meet annually. This requires six pieces of evidence to be submitted to Swim England. If you are a SwimMark club, the equivalent would be known as your Health Check which you would complete every other year.

There are no plans to make any changes to Club Affiliation and it remains a mandatory annual requirement for all clubs. You can find out more by clicking here.

Swim England has a minimum standard for its affiliated clubs in a bid to show they have safe and effective practices in place. If your club has not completed these on an annual basis, then they are not compliant and therefore not affiliated with Swim England. You can find out more about the Club Affiliation process by clicking here.

All the regional and national Swim England staff contacts who you have previously liaised with regarding SwimMark are still available to support you with any questions you have. Please feel free to contact them. Using the Club Health Tracker tool will give your club a good idea of the areas you may wish to discuss further with the relevant member of the Swim England team.