Andy Salmon has resigned as CEO of Swim England just two years into the job at the troubled regulator at a time when board members have been called on to resign in an open letter signed by 25 Olympians and supported by many more members of the swimming community.

That story and related issues here:

Olympians Call For Board Resignations In Swim England Reform Process

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Olympians Reject “Pointless” Offer To Meet Swim England Chair As Resignation Calls Grow Louder

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Campaigners Frustrated Over Swim England ‘Censorship’ In Board-Resignation Debate

Campaigners for accountability in governance angered over what they see as obfuscation where transparency is required. As Prof. Sue Arrowsmith put it: “These questions need open debate, and a proper open response from the board, not a smug PR statement and a shutting down of discussion.”

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Swim England Apologises to Ellesmere College & Families For Catalogue of Failings over Titans Club Disaffiliation

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Stakeholders Angry Over Swim England ‘U-Turn’ On Historic Complaints

Heartened by a shift in direction at Swim England after the association adopted independent reform recommendations, some now fear that an amended policy backtracks on moves that had aimed to ensure those in power were held to account for past failings

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Today, Swim England issued the following statement, which includes official comment from Salmon, who leaves the troubled organisation after several weeks of leave on health grounds, and Swim England chair Richard Hookway, one of the three who Olympians have called on to resign, but does not mention the Olympians letter:

Andy joined the organisation in February 2024 as the Listening Report was published. He led the process to establish a community-informed strategy that served to respond to the report and establish new ways of working, underpinned by a new culture.

The implementation of this strategy saw a new Senior Leadership Team, a financial plan, a new organisational structure and improved stakeholder relationships.

Swim England Chair Richard Hookway said: “We would like to thank Andy for his sterling efforts over the past two years. He, alongside the Senior Leadership Team, has led the beginning of the next chapter for Swim England. He leaves the organisation in a strong position to continue its transformation with lots more work to be done to achieve our goals.”

Andy Salmon also commented:

“I’d like to thank the very many colleagues and stakeholders who welcomed me into the unfamiliar aquatic environment and gave me support and encouragement as we embarked on the transformation journey. It’s not been an easy decision but one that feels right for me.”

Andy’s last working day was 30 June however he remains committed to supporting the organisation in the short term with transition arrangements.

An Interim Chief Executive will shortly be appointed, and the Board will shortly begin the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Andy Salmon's departure from an organisation that has been at loggerheads with Olympians and the wider England membership, was met with anger and sorrow, and a call for the reform work Salmon had begun and driven to continue apace.

The British Swimming Coaches Association issued the following statement:

"On Behalf of the BSCA Board and membership we are sad to learn of the resignation of Andy Salmon as CEO of Swim England.

"The BSCA had developed an excellent working relationship with him & liaison with Swim England staff improved as a result. He was a positive influence for the sport and the work he started was making progress. We as a representative body for coaches are very sad to see him leave.

We truly hope that the positive work Andy Salmon started will be allowed to continue and grow in all areas of our sport".

Glenn Smith - Chair BSCA Ltd

Among the first to comment on Swim England's social-media posts were the following, starting with one that raises a question heard far and wide of whether trust has been lost:

"It's a tragedy for the sport that Andy - who was responsible for so much positive change - has gone, while some of the board leadership associated with past failures remains in place. This situation surely raises questions over whether Andy had the full backing he needed from the board to build trust and undertake other reforms, which perhaps Sport England should look into before handing over any money under the current leadership? - Professor Sue Arrowsmith

"Huge loss for Swim England and its members.. best of luck Andy & thankyou for your efforts thus far. Whilst ‘the board’ remains in place I fear that Swim England cannot move forward with the culture change and progression which is so desperately needed." - Paula Dandy

"Absolutely agree having by experienced it myself. Looks like there will be no change and the cogs will keep turning which is a travesty for all involved, but the especially the swimmers. ... an absolutely tragedy. A huge loss. He gave faith that things were going to change, it does make one wonder if he ever had the full support of the board that the Olympians mention. Do they actually want real change? Would appear not. I wish all the best to Andy. When I spoke to him at the roadshows about my awful experience experience he was so supportive and reassured me that there would be change . Can’t see it ever happening now! Such a shame" " - Julie Bryan, among those affected by the saga at Oxford Swimming Club, which we reported on here:

BSCA Coaches Booth & Whitbread Win Employment Tribunal Case Against City Of Oxford S.C.

The landmark ruling also vindicated the British Swimming Coaches Association (BSCA) and the man who led the campaign for justice, Brian McGuinness. City of Oxford leaders had refused to meet the BSCA and allow it to represent the coaches

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The Oxford Experience – A Tale For The True Professionalisation Of The Sport

At City of Oxford, 8 years of success behind it, a new Chair built a combustible environment that led to all five of the professional coaches quitting en masse. This is the tale of an extraordinary chain of events

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"I am deeply sad and sorry to hear of Andy's resignation.He was, by far, the best CEO Swim England has had in well over a decade, if not decades. Would love to hear the reason for his departure but have a feeling I already know the answer.  He was the first CEO who actually took Masters seriously and saw its potential. I can only hope and wish that a suitable candidate will be stepping in his shoes. But, they are sizeable boots to fill." - Jeroen Peters - head of the Masters Group at Swim England