Members Protection

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Member Protection in Surf Life Saving

Surf Life Saving Clubs are committed to the protection, welfare and well-being of all members and are dedicated to providing a positive and safe environment in line with the SLSA Member Protection Policy and Child Safe Policy.

We at Swansea Belmont SLSC take an inclusive approach, dedicated to being open to all members of the Australian community and providing a safe environment, ensuring all members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.

Surf Life Saving strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for everyone participating in surf lifesaving by following the Member Protection Code of Conduct.

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Lodging a complaint

Complaint Management

An MPIO is available to provide information to members who may have an issue or grievance at the club. The MPIO may be a first point of contact for any member wishing to raise a concern.

To contact the MPIO, please email sbsecretary@bigpond.com to arrange a call back.

After contacting the MPIO, should a member wish to proceed with a formal complaint, this can be lodged via the online complaints portal:

https://complaints.sls.com.au/

All formal complaints are handled by a Complaints Manager, who will take action to resolve complaints after they are lodged via the portal.

We understand that in a community organisation where everyone knows each other, conflicts of interest can arise. We want members to feel they are able to raise any concerns they have, and if there is a conflict of interest and members would prefer to speak to someone else within the club regarding their concern, please email sbsecretary@bigpond.com . Alternatively, you can contact the MPIO at your branch or any SLS MPIO’

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Child Safe Training and Resources

Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to all members, providing clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people. All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course found via the Members Area.

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Child Safe Reporting

Keeping children and young people safe relies on community members reporting their concerns.

All Swansea Belmont SLSC members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact an MPIO, sbsecretary@bigpond.com and/or submit the concerns through the online reporting portal:

Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Child Safe Matter’.
Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous.
Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to SLSNSW for investigation.

All reports submitted will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.

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Member Protection Team

Our club has a group of dedicated volunteers who look after member protection issues. These include Member Protection Information Officers (MPIO), Complaints Manager and Child Safe Coordinator.

MPIO Stephen Lincoln

Complaints Manager Craig Wallis

Child Safe Officer Leanne Johnson

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Child Safety

Club Child Safe Commitment Statement

Our Club is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs,events or services and will work to create an enviroment in which children and young people are safe and feel safe at all times.

Swansea Belmont SLSC recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from the harm of abuse,harm and explotation. It is everyone’s responsibilty to treat children and young people respectfully and follow the child safe legislation and SLSA child safe policy.

The child safe code of conduct applies to all members and associated parties as outlined in the child safe policy.

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Working with Children Check

Surf Life Saving NSW members who work directly with children under the age of 18 must complete a Working with Children Check (WWCC) unless their role is exempt under the legislation. The WWCC Guidelines outline these roles and exemptions.

Completed WWCC details must be provided to the club to be verified with the Office of Children’s Guardians. Failure to do so will result in suspension from any child-related roles.

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