Ben delighted to be appointed Youth Advisory Panel vice-chairperson
The Swim England Youth Advisory Panel has appointed a new vice-chairperson.
Ben Gregory, an 18-year-old Loughborough University systems engineering student, was invited to take up the position by current chairperson Oliver Hooper and the Swim England Volunteering Team following a formal application process.
He has been a member of the panel for just over a year and said he was 'delighted' to accept the role.
Ben, who is a competitive member of Loughborough University's lifesaving squad, has a strong volunteering background.
He has volunteered at his home club, Horwich, since the age of 11 in various roles and is passionate about the positive impact that young volunteers can have on others.
Ben said: "I am delighted to accept the position of vice-chairperson and look forward to getting started and working alongside Oli, Swim England and the rest of the panel.
"I joined the panel just over a year ago. I felt it was important as I wanted to help change swimming for the better and make sure it represented the views of young swimmers.
"A large majority of Swim England's membership are under 18 so it is critical the panel exists to listen to the youth voice."
Exciting times for the panel
The panel are next due to meet on Sunday 13 January to discuss a number of current topics including the development of safeguarding resources for young people and how the group can recognise the work of young people in aquatic sports as part of the Swim England 150 year anniversary celebrations.
Chairperson Oliver said: "I'm delighted to see Ben appointed as vice-chairperson of the Swim England Youth Advisory Panel.
"These are exciting times for the panel as we further enhance and diversify its membership and I look forward to seeing Ben lead the panel forwards as I look to step back as chairperson over the coming year.
"Swim England has a long history of championing the voices of young people in aquatics through the panel, and I am confident that this important agenda will continue to be driven for many years to come."
Claire Coleman, Swim England head of volunteering, said: "I am excited to see the appointment of Ben as vice-chairperson, giving us the stability in the youth panel as Oli approaches the end of his appointment.
"Whilst we will be sad to lose Oli, Ben will provide continuity to the current and new members of the panel as we continue to raise the profile of young people in our sports."
The Youth Advisory Panel is a nationally-led group of 16-25 year-olds from across the country which aims to give a voice to young people within all aquatic disciplines.
Members advise on the direction of Swim England's work and how best to engage with young people in our sport.