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Child Safety

Member Protection

Member Protection

Life Saving Victoria is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all its members and is dedicated to providing a best practise approach to ensure a safe environment for those participating in lifesaving activities.

Life Saving Victoria is a unique organisation that has multiple purposes including community service, sporting, education and leadership opportunities and programs. Each of these individual aspects inter-relate with each other. It is due to the multifaceted nature of Life Saving Victoria, that members 18 years of age and over interact with children across a broad spectrum of activities, that this policy must be broadly applied.

To request support regarding a member protection issue please email memberprotection@lsv.com.au 


Member Protection Officer (MPO)

Life Saving Victoria is committed to health, safety and wellbeing of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for those participating in lifesaving activities and events. We want lifesaving to be fun, enjoyable and safe for all.  Lifesavers are nurtured in and environment that values safety, trust, respect, caring and responsibility.  The environment encourages acceptance, confidence and educated risk taking.

 

Clubs – Member Protection Officer

All clubs are required to have an appointed MPO and communicate to all members, who they are, how to contact and their role.  We strongly advise Clubs to appoint an MPO to be independent and where possible not directly reside on the Committee, this avoids conflict of interested perceived or actual.

It is important that your MPO is skilled and exhibits behaviour consistent to those of the role, including high level of integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality and treat matters with independence and sensitivity.

People with a background in counselling, teachers, police officers, or similar skills often make good MPO’s.

LSV can assist with identifying independent MPO’s if clubs are unable to identify a resource for the role.  We also strongly encourage clubs to work with other clubs in their area, local sports and emergency services to share resources.

The Role of an MPO

The role of the MPO is to support members and protect them and the club’s wellbeing, to provide member welfare education and support.

Their primary role includes:

  • Provision of confidential support and assistance to other members who wish to raise a concern or grievance, or who have had a grievance lodged against them.
  • Provide Triage; act as initial contact for members; their role is to prioritise actions, needs and urgency based on assessed risk, need and grievance/complaint.
  • Investigate and manage complaints and moderate mediation conferences or refer such matters to appropriate person.
  • Provide support and education around safeguarding children to other members.
  • Refer matters to Life Saving Victoria and/or police as outlined in Member Protection Policy

Position Description: LSV MPO Club Position Description V2.0

Complaints Handling

The Complaints Resolution Policy outlines clear steps for complainants, respondents, and complaint handlers when complaints arise.

The Complaints Resolution Policy can be accessed via Surf Life Saving Australia website. Members are encouraged to log in to the SLS Members Area, select ‘Document Library’ from the home page menu and select ‘Governance/Policies’ from the categories menu. LSV has adopted the SLSA Complaints Resolution Policy.

All complaints are being handled under this policy. LSV and SLSA are very happy to assist clubs and members with questions that arise out of this policy.

Before lodging a formal complaint under the policy, we encourage you to reach out to your Club’s MPO, LSV on member.protection@lsv.com.au or SLSA on integrity@slsa.asn.au.

Upcoming Training Opportunities:

Please see link for a number of upcoming workshop opportunities, these workshops are intended to assist club officers to undertake and be confident in their roles.

Life Saving Victoria will be hosting Member Protection Officer workshop, which intended to assist club officers to undertake and be confident in their roles.  The workshops will be held at Life Saving Victoria and delivered by Morgan Lander.

We strongly encourage Club President’s, Member Protection Officers, Grievance Officers and applicable club committee roles to attend.

Member Protection Officer (MPO) Workshop

Workshop Date & Duration Registration
Member Protection Officer Training

 

Date to be announced
Date to be announced
Complaints Handling Training

 

Date to be announced
Date to be announced
Safer Clubs – Creating a Safeguarding Culture Date to be announced
Date to be announced
Safer Clubs – Zero tolerance for Bullying, Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Date to be announced
Date to be announced

 

PRESENTER: MORGAN LANDER, FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Morgan’s passion for protecting the vulnerable is second to none. Whilst undertaking a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science (Leisure & Health) through Sydney University, Morgan worked in disability, aged care and children’s residential facilities including Stewart House and Royal Far West Children’s Hospital on Sydney’s northern beaches. From this experience he developed a keen interest in human rights, risk management and the essential professional standards that are needed when working with vulnerable clientele.

From a young age and throughout his eight year front-line career, he developed and facilitated informative peer learning in a range of risk management areas. This resulted in a transition to Project Officer roles in the NSW public service including within the NSW Sport & Recreation – Child Protection & Employment Screening Unit, NSW Commission for Children & Young People and the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

Since 2006 he has developed and facilitated insightful and engaging adult learning seminars to a diverse range of industries within the human services and volunteer sectors. His delivery style and risk management knowledge are among his key strengths. Morgan has held recurrent contracts with both the NSW Office of Sport and Queensland Government in Member Protection and Complaint Handling facilitation since 2012.

Morgan continues to be an independent representative on the National Reference Group for Play By The Rules, a role that begun in 2006; has assisted the Australian Sports Commission in risk management, complaint handling and member protection since 2011 and is considered to be one of the leading practitioners in this field.

Child Safety

Child Safety  is Everyone’s Business

LSV takes seriously its responsibility to deliver a safe, fair and inclusive environment for Children & Young People involved in lifesaving.

This page is an information page and will be maintained on a continuous basis, all latest information and resources for staff, volunteers, clubs and licensees will be found here.

Background

n April 2012, the Victorian Government initiated an inquiry into the handing of child abuse allegations within religious and non-government organisations. The inquiry’s final report, “Betrayal of Trust”, made a number of recommendations that have been acted on by the Victorian Government. The creation of Child Safety Standards (the Standards) was one of the key recommendations.

The Standards came into effect on 1 January 2017 and applies to sporting organisations that operate and provide sporting services to children within Victoria (including National Sporting Organisations). The Standards apply to organisations as a whole, not only the areas that work with children.

Recent review of the standards, effective 1st of July 2022, have focused on creating consistency with the National Guiding Principles, safety for First Nations children and young people, involvement of families and community in organisational decisions, management of the risks of child abuse online and offering greater clarity on the governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.

If you have any questions related to child safeguarding that cannot be answered by the resources provided, then please contact childsafety@lsv.com.au

LSV continues to work with Surf Life Saving Australia, VicSport, Sport Integrity Australia, Commission of Children and Young People, Not on my Watch and other Community organisations to ensure that LSV and clubs are provided with the resources and training to comply with these standards and make Life Saving Victoria a safe and enjoyable environment for all people.

The Victorian Child Safe Standards – 11 Standards

Child safety in sport means protecting children from abuse, providing safe, quality experiences and empowering children’s voices.

The Victorian Government’s Betrayal of Trust report and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse highlighted just how significant an issue child safety is within sport.

The New Child Safe Standards will replace the current 7 Standards in Victoria to better protect children and young people from abuse.  The Victorian Government has announced that the new Standards will commence on the 1st of July 2022.

Changes have been made to support greater national consistency, reflecting the National Principles for a Child Safe Organisation developed following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

An overview of the new Standards is provided below:

  1. Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued
  2. Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture
  3. Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously
  4. Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
  5. Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice
  6. People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice
  7. Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused
  8. Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training
  9. Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed
  10. Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved
  11. Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

Life Saving Victoria Commitment Statement

Life Saving Victoria is committed to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People (SCYP) and acknowledges a safeguarding organisation doesn’t just happen; it requires conscious action to protect children from harm.

It is imperative that we provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people, that focus’ on fun, education and building the confidence of our people through positive learning and development.

LSV’s core values include being open, welcome and inclusive and building stronger and safer communities for everyone. LSV empowers and expects all employees, members, board members, affiliated Clubs, consultants, contractors and licensees, to create and maintain a safe culture for children and young people.

LSV is committed to reducing the risks of abuse and harm to children and young people, and will ensure all staff; members, affiliated Clubs, consultants, contractors and licensees understand and adhere to the SCYP Policy and Procedure, relevant legislation, and statutory requirements.

Safeguarding CYP Commitment Statement

Latest News, Training and Resources;

The below resources, updates and news provide club administrators and parents/guardians with the tools they need to build and support a child-safe environment.

CHILD SAFE COURSE

Child Safe Awareness Course provides participants with: an awareness of child abuse and child protection and the confidence to be able to take appropriate action when they become concerned for the safety of a child. To have this course recognised on your Surfguard record please complete the course via the Members Area.

Awareness Course

Upcoming Training Opportunities:

Please see link for a number of upcoming workshop opportunities, these workshops are intended to assist club officers to undertake and be confident in their roles.  Member Welfare Training Opportunities  please refer to the development section

WEBINARS

The following webinars provide club members  and parents/guardians with information, insights and best practice strategies to dealing with Child Safe related topics.

COMING SOON!

 

Club & Member Resources

CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT

Surf Life Saving is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Children & Young People (CYP) who are involved in SLS. The SLSA Board endorses the Child Safe commitment to keeping CYP safe from abuse and neglect.

Commitment Statement

CHILD SAFE GUIDELINE

The Child Safe Guidelines have been developed to assist all Surf Life Saving clubs and members to meet their obligations, specifically relating to children and young people, under the Surf Life Saving Australia Child Safe Policy.

SLSA Guidelines

CHILD SAFE POLICY

This Child Safe Policy aims to assist all SLS Entities uphold its responsibility to create a safe, fair and inclusive environment for all Children & Young People.

Child Safe Policy

MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY

This Policy aims to assist SLSA to uphold its core values and create a safe, fair and inclusive environment for everyone associated with Lifesaving.

Member Protection Policy

REPORT CHILD SAFE MATTERS

To report a child safety related incident, concern or feedback

Lodge Your Child Safe Concern (sls.com.au)

Or you can further information from member.protection@lsv.com.au

Tel: +61 3 9676 6971 and support via welfare@lsv.com.au

Emergency situation

If you or someone you care about is in danger right now, please call 000 and ask for the Police.

If you are not sure if it is an emergency but would like to speak with the Police, please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Other Contacts and Support

1800 RESPECT
24 hours Australia wide
Phone:1800 737 732
Lifeline
24 hours Australia wide
Phone:13 11 14
Kids Help Line
24 hours Australia wide
Phone:1800 551 800
Crimestoppers
24 hours Australia wide
Phone:1800 333 000

 

CHILD SAFE RESOURCES

The below resources provide club administrators and parents/guardians with the tools they need to build and support a child-safe environment.

Child Safe Guide

Tools

Posters to put up around the Club

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