We’re Growing Our Board: RKLSwims C.I.C. Is Recruiting Independent Directors
One of the things that comes with growing an organisation is recognising when you need more challenge around the table, not less.
Over the last few years, RKLSwims has grown from an idea centred around making swimming safer, more inclusive and more accessible into an organisation supporting swimmers and families across South and West Wales.
Now, RKLSwims C.I.C. is entering another important stage of that journey.
As we progress our plans for a dedicated community aquatic facility, our Board will increasingly be responsible for decisions involving funding, property, construction, governance, risk and the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
That means the governance around RKLSwims needs to grow alongside the organisation itself.
We are therefore opening recruitment for up to three Independent Non-Executive Directors to join the Board of RKLSwims C.I.C.
Why are we expanding the Board?
Our current directors have helped RKLSwims develop through its early stages and build the organisation that exists today.
But the proposed facility represents a significant step forward.
Moving from operating programmes within hired swimming facilities towards potentially developing and operating a dedicated aquatic facility brings a completely different level of responsibility.
There will be major decisions around investment, borrowing, property, construction, procurement, financial sustainability and risk.
We also operate alongside RKLSwims Education Ltd, which delivers commercial swimming and education activity. As both organisations develop, it is increasingly important that the CIC has strong independent scrutiny and objective decision-making around matters where the two organisations interact.
Our aim is not simply to increase the number of people sitting on the Board.
We want people who will question assumptions, challenge decisions constructively and bring experience that does not currently exist around the table.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in people with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Finance, accounting, audit or social investment
Governance, company law, legal or regulatory compliance
Property, construction, surveying or facilities
Planning and development
Major capital projects and project management
Risk management and procurement
Fundraising and funding strategy
Strategic leadership and organisational development
Nobody is expected to cover every area.
We are recruiting up to three directors because we want to create a Board with a complementary mix of skills and perspectives.
Previous trustee or company director experience would be helpful, but it is not essential.
Strong professional, community or lived experience is equally valuable where somebody can demonstrate sound judgement, independence of thought and a willingness to understand the responsibilities that come with being a company director.
Independent challenge matters
For us, independence means more than simply having no financial interest in RKLSwims.
We are looking for people who are genuinely capable of stepping back from day-to-day activity and asking questions such as:
Does this decision benefit the CIC and the community?
Have we properly understood the risks?
Does the evidence support what we are proposing?
Are we getting value for money?
Is there another option we should consider?
A strong Board should not exist simply to approve decisions that have already been made.
It should make those decisions stronger.
That is exactly what we want these appointments to achieve.
Helping shape a community aquatic facility
The biggest project currently ahead of RKLSwims C.I.C. is our ambition to create a dedicated community aquatic facility in South and West Wales.
Our existing work has shown us just how difficult it can be for some families to access suitable swimming provision.
Limited pool availability, unsuitable environments, long waiting lists and a lack of appropriate provision for swimmers who need additional support can all become barriers.
Our longer-term vision is to create a facility where swimming, water safety and inclusion are at the centre of the operating model.
That could include community swimming, subsidised access, inclusive and disability-aware provision, water-safety education, school activity, training opportunities and programmes designed around swimmers who may struggle within traditional leisure-centre environments.
Independent Directors joining us now will have an opportunity to help shape those plans while they are still developing, rather than arriving after all the major decisions have already been made.
What does the role involve?
This is a voluntary Non-Executive Director position with reasonable pre-approved expenses reimbursed.
The expected commitment is approximately 4–6 hours per month, although there may occasionally be additional involvement around major funding, property or facility-development decisions.
Most meetings can be attended remotely, with occasional in-person meetings in South and West Wales.
As an Independent Non-Executive Director, you would contribute to the strategic direction of RKLSwims C.I.C., scrutinise major decisions, support effective financial and risk governance and help ensure that the organisation remains focused on delivering genuine community benefit.
You would not be expected to become involved in the day-to-day running of swimming lessons or operational management.
Independent Directors are, however, full statutory directors of RKLSwims C.I.C. and the role carries the responsibilities associated with being a company director.
Who would suit RKLSwims?
We are not looking for people who simply agree with us.
We want people who are comfortable saying:
“Have we thought about this differently?”
We want people who can be supportive while still being prepared to challenge.
People who understand that good governance is not about slowing an organisation down, but about helping it make better decisions.
And people who believe that access to swimming and water-safety education matters.
You do not need to come from the swimming or leisure sector.
In fact, some of the experience we most need currently sits completely outside aquatics.
If your background is in finance, investment, law, governance, property, construction, surveying, planning or major projects, your experience could make a significant difference to where RKLSwims goes next.
How to apply
Applications are open until:
18:00 on Sunday 27 September 2026
To apply, please send a short introduction explaining:
your current or recent experience, the skills or perspective you would bring to the Board, why you are interested in RKLSwims C.I.C., and an example of where you have provided constructive challenge, oversight or risk-based judgement.
A CV or LinkedIn profile is welcomed.
Applications and enquiries can be sent to:
Shortlisting is expected to take place on 28 September, with structured interviews or discussions planned for 29–30 September.
Preferred candidates will then progress through eligibility, independence and conflict checks, references where appropriate, and the formal Board appointment process.
Know someone who could make a difference?
You may not be looking for a Board position yourself, but you may know someone who should see this opportunity.
Perhaps they work in finance.
Perhaps they are a solicitor, surveyor, accountant, construction professional, project manager or experienced third-sector leader.
Perhaps they have never considered becoming a director of a Community Interest Company before.
Please send this page to them.
RKLSwims has reached a point where the decisions we make over the next few years could shape the organisation for a very long time.
We want the right people around the table when those decisions are made.
Applications close at 18:00 on 27 September 2026.
Independent Non-Executive Director enquiries:directors@rklswims.com
RKLSwims C.I.C. | Company No. 16203384
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