Board of Trustees Vacancies  

For 2026, we have three Trustee vacancies available to join our Board of Trustees. The board requested eligible members with experience in one or more of the following areas:  

• Management experience in Communications and Marketing, Information Technology, Policy, and Public Affairs.
• Knowledge of environmental/sustainability policies or implementation.
• Experience working with regulatory, safeguarding, or equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices at a senior level. 

Meet your five candidates for Elections 2026 who will be asking for your vote when voting opens on Thursday 1 October.

• Rachel Healey from Leicestershire
• Fay Tennet from Northamptonshire
• Dmytro Tupchiienko from London
• Josh Wardrop from Gloucestershire
• Joanne Young from Hampshire
  
  

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Background details are in the Trustee Information Pack, the Rules for the Elections 2026 and on the Candidate Promotional Guidance 2026.

Trustees can make a real difference to our charity and help steer the implementation of the 2025-2030 Strategic Framework. Trustees also benefit by making connections with like-minded people and developing new skills. To understand more about the Board, see minutes from the Board meetings and profiles of our Trustees.

For any questions on Elections please email [email protected]. 

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2026 key dates 

• Monday 18 May – Applications opened
• Monday 8 June – Applications closed
• Thursday 1 October – Voting opens
• Thursday 15 October – Voting closes
• Saturday 17 October – Annual General Meeting at The Great Hall, University of Birmingham, B15 2TN
  
  

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Meet your five candidates for Elections 2026 who will be asking for your vote when voting opens on Thursday 1 October.

I was first introduced to lifesaving and RLSS UK when I was seven years old; during that time I have completed many awards and qualifications. I love the challenge our qualifications offer and the way they bring people together, all aiming for a common goal. 

I have many long lasting friendships that I have formed through lifesaving and will always be grateful for the varied collection of people it has brought into my life. 

My involvement increased in 2023 when I was elected as a trustee, overseeing sport and competitions which has provided me with a continuous and ongoing work stream.  

I’ve been given the opportunity to develop and progress my ideas such as the re-introduction of the national teams at international competitions, and continue to work towards the establishment of a GB pool team. 

Following the recent changes in staffing structure at RLSS UK, I have noticed significant improvements in alignment with the staffing structure to ensure members are empowered and involved in the future plans to bring a significant impact; I would relish the opportunity to carry this momentum into another three years as a trustee. 

My current and previous employments and voluntary work have given me experience of safeguarding, communications, information technology, negotiations, policy, equality and inclusion at various levels. 

I know a further three year tenure would enable me to complete further work with our members to ensure they are not only fully supported, but given the opportunity to progress and develop within their fields. 

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I started open water swimming nearly 15 years ago and so began my passion for open water safety.  I am an Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessor; Swimming Teacher, Open Water Coach and Pool Lifeguard; an open water endurance and ice swimmer.   

For eight years, I have co-ordinated the RLSS volunteer Lifeguard Team at   The Great North Swim, increasing the profile of the RLSS.  
I will be active in the RLSS mission to ensure that people can enjoy water safely and never has there been more of a need, with over17 drownings in inland water during the May 2026 heat-spike in the UK.   

I want to support the RLSS in ensuring an increase in lifeguards, Open Water TA’s and develop the depth of RLSS understanding of the open water swimmer and lifeguard community to ensure growth and reach of open water safety. 

In my professional life, I have worked at a senior level for over 20 years, leading small and large teams (employees and volunteers). I have experience working at Trustee level within sports and education charities with experience of budgets; policy and strategy development and implementation. 
I strongly believe that the RLSS can help combat misinformation about open water that increases risk for swimmers.  

I want to work with the network of Branches to bring in the Open Water lifeguards and trainers both to enhance Branches but to ensure that all lifeguards (OWL or NPLQ) and Trainer Assessors feel supported. 

Voting for is a vote for Open Water representation. 

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For over thirty years, I have dedicated myself to supporting communities, charitable organisations, and upholding the values of service, integrity, and leadership. My professional background spans technology, business transformation, and accounting, complemented by considerable voluntary work where I have championed good governance, financial stewardship, and sustainability. 

Currently, I serve as Treasurer for several voluntary groups, and my experience as an accountant for charities has given me a robust understanding of financial management, budgeting, compliance, and risk mitigation. I am committed to ensuring that charitable resources deliver the greatest possible benefit to members and communities. 

As a Trustee, I would bring strategic insight, hands-on leadership, financial acumen, and a steadfast commitment to the RLSS UK’s mission of saving lives through water safety education. My background includes leading complex projects, managing organisational change, and working with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that organisations remain focused on delivering real value to their members and the wider community. 

I see the role of Trustee as a chance to give back to an organisation that makes a real difference across the UK. I believe in listening closely to members, offering constructive challenge, and helping to shape a strong vision for the future, while safeguarding RLSS UK’s respected values. 
Members should vote for me for my proven leadership, expertise in financial governance, independent perspective, and genuine commitment to representing their interests. I will work to keep RLSS UK financially robust, innovative, and inclusive for all. 

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I’m Josh Wardrop, and I’m standing for election as a Trustee of RLSS UK because I believe deeply in our mission: to prevent drowning, educate communities and save lives. 

My journey with RLSS UK began as a teenager at my local lifesaving club. I went on to qualify as a lifeguard through the NPLQ, OWL and NVBLQ, and later became a Trainer Assessor. #IStartedAsALifeguard 

Teaching lifesaving and water safety skills remains one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It shaped my confidence, my values and my lifelong commitment to public safety, education and volunteering. 

Today, I work as a lecturer in safety and environmental management, specialising in high-hazard chemical and engineering challenges. I have also previously served as a trustee of a similar-sized educational charity. Through these roles, I have developed experience in governance, strategic planning, risk management, education and organisational sustainability. 

As a Trustee, I would champion stronger engagement with young people, volunteers and grassroots lifesaving communities; partnerships across education, sport, public safety and local communities; evidence-led decision making; and clear strategic priorities. 

I also want to support a sustainable future for RLSS UK: financially, environmentally and organisationally, so that we can continue saving lives for generations to come. 

RLSS UK has shaped who I am. I would be honoured to have your support and your vote. 

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I would like to be re-elected as a Trustee to continue supporting the Society’s vision and ensuring its strategic objectives are successfully delivered. During my time on the Board, I have remained committed to strong governance, collaboration and helping shape the future of the Society for the benefit of all our members. 

As former Chair of the SEDAG Group, now the Safeguarding, Inclusivity and Accessibility Advisory Group, I have been proud to help develop a stronger safeguarding culture across the Society. This work has introduced more robust safeguarding training, raised awareness of its importance and reinforced our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and accessible environment for participants, volunteers, paid staff and Trustees. 

As Chair of the Sport and Competition Committee, I remain committed to growing participation, developing opportunities at all levels and ensuring our competitions are inclusive, sustainable and well governed. My involvement at national and international events, including World Championships, enables me to understand the challenges and opportunities facing our members and contribute informed decisions at Board level. 

If re-elected, I will continue to bring my experience, commitment and collaborative approach to the Board, working with fellow Trustees, volunteers and staff to strengthen governance, deliver our strategic vision and ensure the Society continues to grow and thrive for future generations. 

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