Dave Candler has worked in swimming teaching and leisure management for more than 25 years. Before becoming STA’s CEO in 2016, he spent a decade as Operations, Swimming and Training Manager at Inspire Leisure, one of the UK’s largest lesson providers. His pool-level experience and multiple management qualifications give him a deep understanding of the real-world challenges and opportunities facing tutors, teachers and operators today. As a senior STA Tutor, Dave has personally trained hundreds of teachers. This hands-on background continues to shape STA’s approach to programme design, tutor support and workforce development. He is also a passionate open water swimmer and completed a Channel Relay with Team STA in 2008.