Swim England‘s ‘valuable’ Club Financial Toolkit available for free download

A ‘valuable resource’ which will help provide clubs with the support they need to become strong and sustainable organisations has been published by Swim England.

The Club Financial Toolkit is a new guide which includes tips and advice on all aspects of managing income and expenditure during an ‘economically challenging time’.

The 48-page booklet can be downloaded free of charge and contains case studies from a number of clubs.

Covered in the toolkit are managing club finances, employment, legal structures, tax and VAT, income and expenditure plus sponsorship and fundraising.

It also includes additional resources and relevant links to useful information.

Amanda Goodman, club treasurer at Basildon & Phoenix SC, included her experiences in the toolkit.

She said: “It has previously been very difficult to find accurate and useful information on key financial topics which are common to so many aquatics clubs.

Help clubs become more sustainable

“This Club Financial Toolkit is a valuable resource for clubs addressing the financial challenges they are facing so they can concentrate on growing and developing participation in the sport.

“It has been a great project to be involved in and will help clubs become more sustainable.”

Mike Beard, Solihull SC’s treasurer, also contributed to the guidance.

He said: “It is a good many years since I first took on the role of swimming club treasurer and there is no doubt that the duties and responsibilities have become far more challenging and complex during that time, particularly so over the last two years.

“There is much that a club treasurer needs to be aware of these days so the production of this toolkit is very timely.

“The toolkit may seem long at first glance but that is because it is wide-ranging and I feel sure that it will be a valuable reference document for all current and future club treasurers.”

Andy Jack, Swim England club and operator relationship manager, said financial management can be a complex area.

Economically-challenging times

“Swim England recognises that managing club finances can be a lot to take on for club volunteers,” he said.

“The Club Financial Toolkit aims to provide guidance which will help clubs improve their processes and become financially-resilient organisations.

“We’re in economically-challenging times and ensuring a sustainable future must be a main priority for all aquatic clubs. Hopefully, this toolkit will go some way to help achieve that.

“Our thanks go to the dedicated volunteers who contributed to this guidance and shared their experiences with us.”

The following all played a part in helping develop the Swim England Club Financial Toolkit:

• Amanda Goodman, treasurer, Basildon and Phoenix Swimming Club
• Ben Mullen, chair, Bristol Penguin Olympic SC
• Chris Belai, treasurer, Boldmere Swimming and Water Polo Club
• Helen Giles, treasurer, Bristol Penguin Olympic SC
• Jackie Bedford, chair, Beckenham SC
• Keith Munday, chair, Boldmere Swimming and Water Polo Club
• Mike Beard, treasurer, Solihull SC
• Richard Baldwin, independent tax advisor

The Swim England Club Financial Toolkit can be downloaded below.