The purpose of the MoU is to set out and agree, between the English, Scottish, Welsh Institutes of Sport (HCSIs) and UK Sport, the framework within which all of the key partners will operate to impact on the success of British Swimming during the build-up to the London Games.

 

The document sets out the sports science, sports medicine partnership aims, philosophy and operational details which each of the partners agrees to in order to aid British Swimming achieve its performance objectives.

 

National performance director Michael Scott has been the driving force behind the initiative and he claims he sees real benefits behind the statement of aspirations and intent that will directly effect British Swimming's network of Intensive Training Centres (ITC), another new innovation.

 

It is another encouraging sign that Scott, an Australian, is determined to make British Swimming among the most professional and forward-thinking organisations in the country during the run-in to the 2012 Olympics.

 

Last week he pulled off a coup when he was able to announce that Dennis Pursley, the former team director of USA Swimming, as Britain's new head coach.

 

Scott said: "Our aim was to set out a framework for a strong, open, performance orientated partnership between British Swimming, the HCSIs and UK Sport.

 

"It's one based on trust, respect and mutual commitment."

 

The key element of the MoU is a sports science, sports medicine partnership designed to provide swimmers and coaches with a world-class service as a vital component of daily training and national team environments.

 

The MoU will have a direct impact on British Swimming's intended network of Intensive ITC as well as performance clubs through the provision of a vibrant, challenging, performance orientated culture, Scott said.

 

It will be underpinned by the continuous development of skills for practitioners and coaches involved within British Swimming and this will have a bearing on maximising performance outcomes, he added.

 

Scott said: "The philosophy behind the initiative is athlete centred while being driven by coaches and supported by science and medicine.

 

"Its focus is on making a competitive performance difference and will involve ongoing education and learning."

 

British Swimming's work in establishing an MoU will also benefit other governing bodies as UKSport and the HCSIs look to implement agreements across other sports based on the collaborative efforts and good practice shown in relation to swimming.

 

A quadrennial programme strategy together with annual plans will be agreed by all partners and put in place with clarity of roles for staff and partners involved in working with British Swimming, said Scott.