Scottish Swimming Coaching
Qualification (SSCQ) Artistic Swimming –
Invitation to Tender (ITT)

Introduction
Scottish Swimming is the Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Masters Swimming, Open
Water Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Water Polo. Aquatics is a sport for everyone, and
we are committed to developing the sport in an inclusive, equitable and fair way.
Our Vision is simple and clear: Everyone can Swim!

To achieve this, we want to inspire our members and partners in the development of
aquatics, providing leadership and expert support, to ensure that more people take part and
reach their full potential.
Our Strategic Objectives are:
• To increase the number of people of all ages and abilities learning to swim as a life
skill for safety, health, and enjoyment
• To support our members by developing stronger, sustainable clubs with inclusive
opportunities for people to participate and contribute across all areas of our sport
• To enhance the aquatic pathway, ensuring athlete development through effective
partnerships, coach education and the evolution of daily training environments
• To encourage more people to swim as a lifelong skill connecting an inclusive
aquatics community for health, fitness, and fun
Scottish Swimming’s work is guided by our corporate plan; this is underpinned by our
Aquatics plan.
For further information on Scottish Swimming, please view a copy of the Corporate Plan
found on the Scottish Swimming website links below:

Background
Coaching is central to driving participation and better performances in aquatics activities,
ensuring increased success across sport as well as supporting key social and economic
objectives throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Swimming Coaching Qualification (SSCQ) is the industry standard for coaching
aquatics. The SSCQ is approved by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and sits on the
Scottish Coaching Qualification Framework (SCQF) at Level 7.
The qualification aims to support the development of coaches who are evolving their practice;
it encourages curiosity and the idea that coaching effectiveness is not simply about developing
coaching knowledge but also having a greater level of self-awareness while understanding
the participant.
The purpose of the SSCQ is to develop coaches who are ready to work independently in clubs
and within a competitive environment, to support participants to become better people and
better athletes by creating a meaningful, safe, inclusive, person-centred environment for
individuals to thrive and improve their performance.
Scottish Swimming has delivered two pilot phases for SSCQ Swimming in 2024/25 as well as
piloting SSCQ Diving in May 2025. The SSCQ qualifications have replaced UKCC awards and
have integrated best practice alongside the most current thinking within coach education in
the UK.
Project Brief
Scottish Swimming is looking to engage with an individual/s or organisation to provide services
related to the preparation, planning and writing of the SSCQ Artistic Swimming. This will
include: – – – – –
Develop and write the course content for the qualification, using the SSCQ Swimming
and SSCQ Diving as templates where appropriate
Produce appropriate content for bespoke units which will map over to the SQA
framework
Establish an assessment matrix, outlining the assessment method and evidence
required
Ensure all content is developed for delivery via Brightspace – Digital Learning Platform
Develop eLearning materials
Project Requirements:
Phase 1*: Develop SSCQ Artistic Swimming content through preparation, planning and
writing of a minimum of 10 bespoke units for delivery via the Brightspace
Learning platform
Phase 2*: Establish assessment and evidence criteria mapped against the SQA
Standards Matrix
Phase 3: Course shell complete ready for delivery
Develop resources to upskill the aquatic educator workforce to deliver the
new qualification
Establish criteria for conversion course
Phase 4: Pilot course review- Review course and make appropriate adjustments to
course content, delivery, and assessments (it is expected this phase will be
part of a further contract following delivery of phases 1-3)
*Expectation phases 1 and 2 to run almost concurrently
Invitation to Tender
Timeframe
The closing date for applications is 1 October 2025 with the appointment of Scottish
Swimming’s preferred provider being ratified by 20 October 2025. Your proposal should
be based on an agreement of project commencement from 10 November 2025, with a
timetable for completion to be agreed.
Submission Requirements
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of coaching Artistic Swimming and the
current World Aquatics rules and regulations
• Demonstrate an understanding of the current Scottish Swimming Education structure,
and the Coaching Scotland Framework.
• Overview of organisation and relevant expertise
• Proposed methodology and timeline
• Budget breakdown per phase
• Key personnel and responsibilities
• Examples of similar work
Phases 1-3 of the project should be completed by 1 June 2026
Phase 4 will be agreed based on planning and completion of the pilot course
Costs
Please provide indicative costings as part of your proposal. Please note all costs or
expenses incurred in the preparation of any proposal must be borne by the tenderer.
Individuals and organisations should submit an outline of their costings for this project. It is
anticipated the costs for Phases 1-3 will be circa. £6k but all proposals will be considered.
Evaluation criteria
The evaluation of each Tenderer’s proposal will be assessed against the Scottish Swimming
Project Brief.
Technical Expertise and Experience
30%
Approach to qualification design and development.
25%
Cost
20%
Qualification Mapping
15%
Timescales
10%
Contact us
If you have any queries or would like to submit a proposal, please contact:
Victoria Park, National Aquatic Sport Manager
v.park@scottishswimming.com
M: 07754 551478