RLSS UK Directors

Di has been the Chief Executive of the Royal Life Saving Society since 2001. During her time at the helm of RLSS UK, Di has sought to build a more contemporary, customer focused, professional approach to improving standards in aquatic safety and raising awareness of water safety to reduce the instances of drowning in the UK and Ireland. Di is Chair of the Swimming Pool Advisory Group, which forms part of the UK National Water Safety Forum and she is also involved at International level as part of the Business & Strategic Planning Committee for RLSS Commonwealth. Di also has a role within the world body for Lifesaving; International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) playing a leading role in the Finance Committee and as a member of the Collaboration Committee and Chairs the Management & Administration Commission for ILS Europe. Before joining the RLSS UK Di had a highly successful career in the leisure industry; a period of working for herself as a freelance consultant and then for the Audit Commission.

Adrian's role is to oversee and direct the development of Lifesaving programmes ensuring all the activity is focussed on achieving our vision to Safeguard Lives in, on or near water. Lifesaving development encompasses awards, qualifications, campaigns (including fundraising) and sport.

Key to the role is the establishment of new and effective partnerships using the weight of RLSS UK experience and research to influence, challenge and collaborate to reduce death through accidental drowning. Essentially the post supports the development of policy and is the Society Lead for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults.

Di currently manages the Society's corporate function and sits on the Management Board. Her role is to provide a full range of services to staff and volunteers including; Finance, Human Resources, ICT Services, Central Administration, Membership and Legal. Di also oversees staff training and organisational development. A senior HR professional with a background of over 20 years in central government, Di also spent 10 years as an independent consultant majoring in Organisational Change and Development.

Tara has the responsibility for the strategic direction of IQL, with a particular focus on raising the profile of the Society within the leisure market place. As head of IQL since 2007, Tara has focussed specifically on supporting the leisure industry in maintaining and driving up standards through the delivery of world class qualifications: the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and National Pool Management Qualification. Tara began her career as leisure professional in 1987 working as a part-time lifeguard whilst at College. One of the drivers in taking on her role as Executive Director at IQL has been to give something back to the industry she so passionately believes in. To achieve this Tara says "as both a training provider and a governing body I believe it is essential that we listen to needs of pool operators, continually offering support and guidance whilst ensuring public safety in pools remains at the highest possible standard".