Swans Achieve ‘SwimMark’ Accreditation!

‘SwimMark’ is Swim England’s highest level of club accreditation.

St Neots Swans Swimming Club has been awarded “SwimMark” accreditation by Swim England, our governing body. SwimMark is the highest level of governance accreditation that Swim England grants to its member clubs, recognising that our club operates to a high standard.

Achieving this accreditation means Swim England has thoroughly assessed our club’s governance and programmes and has determined that we meet several key criteria, including:

• Future Planning: The club has a robust plan for the next two years or more, with a clear development path.
• Financial Management: Our finances are managed responsibly, with structured financial planning and independent auditing.
• Coaching Standards: The coaching team is well-organised and staffed, with plans in place for ongoing development and a focus on improving athlete outcomes.
• Staffing and Supervision: Our teaching scheme and squads meet staffing guidelines, with all coaches holding the necessary qualifications.
• Safety and Compliance: All volunteers, officials, and staff meet qualification and background check requirements. The facilities we use meet required standards, and we maintain thorough risk assessments.
• Governance: The committee runs the club in accordance with the club’s constitution, ensuring all welfare and safeguarding measures are in place.

Club Chairperson, Paul Thomson-Clark commented, “This accreditation should reassure our members that the club’s programmes are well-run, and that we are working towards a sustainable future. A great deal of work has gone into meeting these requirements, and I’d like to thank our head coach, poolside team, the committee, and especially Hemendra Dassanayake, our Club Secretary, who led this project.”

Previously, our club held only the “affiliated club” status from Swim England, which confirms that foundational standards are met but does not include the comprehensive governance and program standards of SwimMark accreditation.

Generally, clubs with SwimMark status undergo a full audit by Swim England every two years, along with an annual review, to confirm ongoing compliance with these high standards. Earlier this week, Swim England announced plans to update the SwimMark accreditation with a new scheme in the future. Swans will actively participate in this process to ensure our club remains accredited at the highest possible level.