The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) has announced Martin Symcox as the new director of its training subsidiary, IQL UK.

Symcox has overseen IQL UK as interim director since January 2014, when former director Tara Dillon was seconded to CIMSPA.

Symcox joined IQL UK in 2009 as business development manager and has played a key role in ensuring the delivery of products and services. Over the last 12 months, he has overseen the introduction of IQL UK’s full suite of first aid qualifications, which has had promising industry uptake.

“I’ve been involved in the leisure industry since graduating in 1997 and having worked in numerous operational environments, I’ve know the importance of relationship management and delivering a consistently high level of service," said Symcox.

"I’m looking forward to bringing my commercial experience to the new role and helping strengthen IQL UK’s offering and position in the aquatic training and safety market.”

IQL UK, which provides professional lifeguard training to around 95 per cent of the country's pool lifeguards, hopes Symcox can help raise the profile of the organisation drive standards through the delivery of its National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ). He will also oversee the delivery of new products to existing and new markets, whilst maintaining a strong focus on consolidating IQL UK’s offering to the leisure industry.

“I am delighted to welcome Martin into his new role as director of IQL UK," said RLSS UK chief executive Di Steer.

"We are experiencing an unprecedented period of growth and with his extensive knowledge and experience, and after his success as interim director, Martin is ideally placed to provide strategic direction for all aspects of our training division as the business continues to expand.”