Swim England National Awards 2024

This award recognises an educator who consistently surpasses the day-to-day requirements of their role for the benefit of their learners. This educator demonstrates a commitment to understanding and meeting diverse needs, fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment, and ensures that every learner feels valued and empowered. This educator showcases innovation in their course delivery and assessment; inspiring the future generation of teachers, coaches, volunteers and educators across our aquatic sports.

Nominations are open to all educators who deliver any Swim England training.

Criteria:

• Must hold a current Swim England educator license or be a volunteer presenter.
• Must be able to demonstrate examples of delivering high quality, inclusive courses.
• Must show evidence of continual professional development.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024

This award recognises an organisation which has made a demonstrable contribution to health improvement and health outcomes through swimming or aquatic activity. The nominated organisation will be able to demonstrate the development of strong health partnerships which have improved the health and wellbeing of individuals with long term health conditions or impairments by overcoming specific barriers to participation. The nominee should be able to outline how their work has had a measurable impact on health and wellbeing outcomes and explain the wider impact and value of this change to individuals and communities.

The nomination should highlight the following:

• Explain how local data and insight have shaped the approach taken and supported continuous improvement.
• Who the key beneficiaries are and what benefits have been observed and measured.
• Challenges faced and what examples of good practice helped in overcoming these.
• The value of this work to local partners, e.g. partnerships created, social value, return on investment, etc.

Criteria:

• Must outline examples of high quality aquatic opportunities created and how the offer was made to be accessible, inclusive and welcoming to the target beneficiaries.
• Have included wider options and specific exit strategies to encourage independent activity outside any formal/structured support.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises a club, affiliated swim school, operator, or Approved Training Centre (ATC) connected to Swim England which has championed inclusion and diversity within aquatics.

The winner will have inspired positive change and demonstrated commitment to making aquatics more accessible by creating an inclusive environment. This could be through the introduction of initiatives to engage with underrepresented communities or by way of efforts to dissolve barriers that prevent engagement with aquatics. Priority will be given to nominations that can evidence significant impact on the individuals involved, rather than the number of individuals reached.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member or a Swim England affiliated club, Swim England Qualifications Approved Training Centre, affiliated swim school or operator.
• Must be able to demonstrate examples of high quality, inclusive and engaging practice.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The School Swimming Award celebrates exceptional individuals, schools, lesson providers, clubs or organisations who have made a positive impact on school swimming and water safety, either locally or nationally. This award recognises those who are truly passionate about promoting water safety and improving school swimming programmes, and who have demonstrated significant achievements in this area.

Nominees should have demonstrated:

• Their outstanding commitment to ensuring that all children have the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe in, on and around water by supporting or delivering fun, engaging and innovative school swimming opportunities.
• Inclusivity, giving all pupils opportunities to achieve to the best of their ability.
• Investment in the staff who support the delivery of school swimming lessons.
• Excellent reporting of the year 6 School Swimming and Water Safety curriculum requirements and the improvement made by pupils.

Criteria:

• Must be currently signed up to the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Charter.
• Must be able to demonstrate examples of delivering high quality, inclusive school swimming and water safety lessons.
• Are actively using the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Charter Award Scheme.
• Show evidence of innovative ways of delivering school swimming and water safety lessons, for example; improving pupil experience, increasing active learning time within lessons or taking a transformative approach to lessons.
• Must be able to evidence a significant positive impact on school swimming delivery or attainment in the previous year.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises a current Swim England Swim School member. Swim Schools nominated under this category should demonstrate a commitment to delivering exceptional services to all their swimmers and members. Nominated swim schools should have quality, fun, progression and inclusion at the heart of their offer – adopting a learner-centric approach throughout. They should also be focused on the progression of their swimmers and staff, constantly aiming to achieve elevated levels of inclusivity, safeguarding and welfare.

Criteria:

• Must be an active Swim England Swim School Member
• Must be delivering lessons in one or more of the four frameworks within the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme (Pre-School Framework, Learn to Swim Framework, Aquatic Skills Framework, or Adult Swimming Framework).
• The swim school must offer/reward learners with Swim England awards.
• Provide tangible evidence of innovative and inspiring ways of delivering learn to swim sessions.
• Demonstrate an inclusive learning environment reflective of their learners’ unique needs
• Show evidence of continual professional development for swim school employees.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises a teacher who consistently provides quality lessons (including proficient demonstrations of technical knowledge) in a fun and dynamic way, demonstrating excellent communication skills throughout.

A nominated swim teacher should adopt a learner-centric approach and show an ability to meet the needs of their varied learners. They will be motivated to improve their swimmers’ standards and they will go the extra mile to ensure they deliver the best quality inclusive learning experience. Their example will set the standard that future swimming teachers should aspire to.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England (or formerly ASA) qualified swim teacher who has continued to seek ongoing personal/professional development.
• Must be delivering one or more of the four frameworks within the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme (Pre-School Framework, Learn to Swim Framework, Aquatic Skills Framework, or Adult Swimming Framework).
• Must demonstrate a fun, dynamic and inclusive approach to teaching swimming.
• Provides support and mentoring to other swimming teachers and swimming assistants.
• Hold a current enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding certificate.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises a Swim England Technical Official, of any discipline, whose contributions are seen as invaluable and whose efforts are instrumental in the work of supporting the delivery of aquatic sport through Technical Officiating.

Their officiating role(s) will be making a positive impact and this official will be a great example of a role model for others.

The volunteering activity can be club, county, regionally or nationally based. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, the importance is placed on the impact of the officiating activity.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A technical official who has stepped forward to support the delivery of aquatic events at club, county, regional or national level.
• An official who has committed to their own personal development through training.
• An official who supports other officials in their training and development.
• An official whose drive and passion for the sport has inspired others to become officials.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category
• Must hold a recognised technical official qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity
• Must be officiating on a regular basis
• Can be any age
• Must not be paid
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises a Swim England member whose contribution and commitment between August 2023 and July 2024 played a major role in supporting the aquatic sports in England. Their volunteering, support for aquatics, and passion will have made a positive impact and this volunteer will be a great example of a role model for others.

The volunteering activity can be at club, county, regional or national level. There is no requirement for the nomination to detail activity at every level, and the importance is placed on the impact of the volunteering activity.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A volunteer who has stepped forward to support the delivery of aquatic sports for club members
• A volunteer who has committed to their personal development
• A volunteer who has given their time to support event planning
• A volunteer who supports other volunteers to have a great experience

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category
• Must be active in a club, county, regional or national setting
• Can be an event volunteer at county, regional or national level
• Can be any age
• Must not be paid
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

Please note technical officials should be nominated in their category.

This award recognises individuals who continue to champion the voice of young people within aquatics, who have a clear passion for the sport, and who have been active as volunteers or advocates through campaigning, fundraising or committee work.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member.
• Nominations can be submitted by anyone.
• Must be active in an affiliated club, county, regional, national or Approved Training Centre setting on a regular basis.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The Sport Club of the Year award focuses on recognising clubs affiliated to Swim England who continually go above and beyond for their members, delivering exceptional activities in the pool and/or on dry land. This award focuses on clubs which create and foster the community spirit of aquatics.

The Sport Club of the Year award is discipline-specific and will recognise achievements from artistic swimming, diving, swimming and water polo clubs individually.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A club that has a great member experience at the core of its activities.
• A club that has committed to supporting and developing volunteers.
• A club that has demonstrated a commitment to engaging the wider community around it.
• A club who have committed to their sustainability.

Criteria:

• Must be an affiliated Swim England club or a section of an affiliated club.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The Sport Club of the Year award focuses on recognising clubs affiliated to Swim England who continually go above and beyond for their members, delivering exceptional activities in the pool and/or on dry land. This award focuses on clubs which create and foster the community spirit of aquatics.

The Sport Club of the Year award is discipline-specific and will recognise achievements from artistic swimming, diving, swimming and water polo clubs individually.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A club that has a great member experience at the core of its activities.
• A club that has committed to supporting and developing volunteers.
• A club that has demonstrated a commitment to engaging the wider community around it.
• A club who have committed to their sustainability.

Criteria:

• Must be an affiliated Swim England club or a section of an affiliated club.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The Sport Club of the Year award focuses on recognising clubs affiliated to Swim England who continually go above and beyond for their members, delivering exceptional activities in the pool and/or on dry land. This award focuses on clubs which create and foster the community spirit of aquatics.

The Sport Club of the Year award is discipline-specific and will recognise achievements from artistic swimming, diving, swimming and water polo clubs individually.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A club that has a great member experience at the core of its activities.
• A club that has committed to supporting and developing volunteers.
• A club that has demonstrated a commitment to engaging the wider community around it.
• A club who have committed to their sustainability.

Criteria:

• Must be an affiliated Swim England club or a section of an affiliated club.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The Sport Club of the Year award focuses on recognising clubs affiliated to Swim England who continually go above and beyond for their members, delivering exceptional activities in the pool and/or on dry land. This award focuses on clubs which create and foster the community spirit of aquatics.

The Sport Club of the Year award is discipline-specific and will recognise achievements from artistic swimming, diving, swimming and water polo clubs individually.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A club that has a great member experience at the core of its activities.
• A club that has committed to supporting and developing volunteers.
• A club that has demonstrated a commitment to engaging the wider community around it.
• A club who have committed to their sustainability.

Criteria:

• Must be an affiliated Swim England club or a section of an affiliated club.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach in supporting and inspiring people to engage in an aquatic sport, stay in aquatics, enjoy what they do, and achieve their goals.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach who has created a thriving, welcoming, inclusive, and positive culture for all.
• A coach with a holistic approach to the development of all participants, recognising their changing needs at every stage of their development.
• A coach who retains people in the sport by creating great experiences.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach in supporting and inspiring people to engage in an aquatic sport, stay in aquatics, enjoy what they do, and achieve their goals.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach who has created a thriving, welcoming, inclusive, and positive culture for all.
• A coach with a holistic approach to the development of all participants, recognising their changing needs at every stage of their development.
• A coach who retains people in the sport by creating great experiences.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach in supporting and inspiring people to engage in an aquatic sport, stay in aquatics, enjoy what they do, and achieve their goals.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach who has created a thriving, welcoming, inclusive, and positive culture for all.
• A coach with a holistic approach to the development of all participants, recognising their changing needs at every stage of their development.
• A coach who retains people in the sport by creating great experiences.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach in supporting and inspiring people to engage in an aquatic sport, stay in aquatics, enjoy what they do, and achieve their goals.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach who has created a thriving, welcoming, inclusive, and positive culture for all.
• A coach with a holistic approach to the development of all participants, recognising their changing needs at every stage of their development.
• A coach who retains people in the sport by creating great experiences.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach who nurtures future athletes, and effectively and ethically encourages the development of performance within an aquatic sport.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach that has created a person centred, caring, supportive, and challenging performance environment.
• Evidence of coaching multiple different athletes to achieve performance goals.
• A coach that has built trust, demonstrated integrity, and maintained high standards in their practice.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach who nurtures future athletes, and effectively and ethically encourages the development of performance within an aquatic sport.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach that has created a person centred, caring, supportive, and challenging performance environment.
• Evidence of coaching multiple different athletes to achieve performance goals.
• A coach that has built trust, demonstrated integrity, and maintained high standards in their practice.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach who nurtures future athletes, and effectively and ethically encourages the development of performance within an aquatic sport.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach that has created a person centred, caring, supportive, and challenging performance environment.
• Evidence of coaching multiple different athletes to achieve performance goals.
• A coach that has built trust, demonstrated integrity, and maintained high standards in their practice.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach who nurtures future athletes, and effectively and ethically encourages the development of performance within an aquatic sport.

Who do we want to hear about?

• A coach that has created a person centred, caring, supportive, and challenging performance environment.
• Evidence of coaching multiple different athletes to achieve performance goals.
• A coach that has built trust, demonstrated integrity, and maintained high standards in their practice.
• A coach that has actively developed their own coaching practice by trying something new and by being curious and open to doing things differently.

Criteria:

• Must be a Swim England member of any category.
• Must hold a recognised qualification or certification relevant to their role and activity.
• Can be any age.
• Awarding period is 1 August 2023 to 7 July 2024.

The Awards are given to the individuals or organisations making the most outstanding contribution to aquatics at club, county, regional, national or international level. In selecting the winners, consideration is given to:

• Outstanding achievement in advancing the sport through competition/coaching/officiating.
• Outstanding achievement in the administration of the sport.
• Outstanding achievement in advising the sport.
• Outstanding achievement in the development of coaches and/or technical officials.