Governance

As the National Governing Body for Aquatics in Wales, Swim Wales is responsible for governing aquatic disciplines across the nation.

We adhere to the Sport Wales Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales (GLFW), which you can find here:

What is Good Governance?

One side is policies, procedures, regulations and systems all of which are vital for high performing organisations. The other side is often referred to as soft governance, which includes values, behaviours, ethics and morals.

Sport would not be possible without volunteers and people who want to get involved and we must cherish and look after the welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved. It’s important to have a people centred approach, an approach where we are considerate to the needs of the people involved and as a National Governing Body lead by example.

Good governance is a must to enable us to succeed and continue to develop our areas of responsibility and grow our sport to provide an inclusive pathway for everyone wishing to take part in Aquatics.

Governance is not the management of day-to-day operations – it is the framework of strategy, risk management, controls and processes. It also relates to the organisation’s leadership in terms of culture, values and integrity.

It relates to being bold and sometimes disruptive and recognising that the effort of lots of people are required, Swim Wales as leaders in sport create a culture to allow everyone to soar and reach their potential.

Swim Wales have signed up to the Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales (GLFW). GLFW was developed and written by people in the sports sector.

GLFW CAN BE USED BY ALL AS A FRAMEWORK TO BE THE BEST ORGANISATION THAT YOU CAN BE.

The Framework for Wales refers to boards, which in the context of this document can represent a management committee, executive committee, non-executives, directors or trustees.

Duty of Care

Within a sporting context, it’s important to be fully aware of the Duty of Care obligation to provide a safe environment for all athletes, coaches, support staff and administrators to ensure that they are protected and free from harm, bullying, harassment and discrimination. Although there may be processes and safeguards in place, having the right culture is crucial to ensure they work effectively.

The Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales helps the sector respond to political and cultural changes by assisting organisations develop a strong governance structure. This structure will help the organisation work in a way that builds resilience and grow to provide maximum value. The framework has been in place since 2015 and has been helping organisations in numerous ways to a sustainable future through good governance. The seven principles and behaviours in this

Framework should be used as tools to improve and maintain the governance and leadership of your organisation.

Principle 1: INTEGRITY – ACTING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT, RECREATION, ACTIVITY OR AREA.

Principle 2: DEFINING AND EVALUATINGTHE ROLE OF THE BOARD (can be applied to committees and leadership teams)

Principle 3: SETTING VISION, MISSION AND PURPOSE

Principle 4: BALANCED, INCLUSIVE AND SKILLED BOARD (Management Committee)

Principle 5: STANDARDS, SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS

Principle 6: ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

Principle 7: UNDERSTANDING, ENGAGING WITH AND

EMBRACING THE SPORTING LANDSCAPE

Please take the time to read through the attached copies of the Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales.

Please send enquiries to – [email protected]