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MEMBER PROTECTION

Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club (QSLSC) is committed to the health, safety, protection, welfare and well-being of all its members and is dedicated to providing a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for all members participating in surf lifesaving activities.   This is outlined in detail in the SLSA Member Protection Policy.

The Member Protection Policy conveys a message to all SLSA members, and prospective members, responsible for surf lifesaving activities, particularly those involving members under 18 years of age, about minimising risk exposure of these members. We take an inclusive approach, ensuring all of our members are treated with respect and dignity and are protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse regardless of gender, age, ability or nationality.

All SLSA members, particularly age managers, coaches, officials, leaders, trainers and management personnel, have a responsibility to provide safeguards dedicated to the well-being of other members. The abuse of youth members, by other members or external source, is not acceptable and SLSA demands all incidents of such abuse be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.

Members are covered by Workers Compensation – SLSNSW for patrolling, club activities and competition.

Safeguarding our Children – Codes of Conduct

Our Club is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people in Surf Life Saving through the SLSA Safeguarding Children and Young People Program. One way we do this is by ensuring that our members behave in a way which creates a safe, positive and inclusive environment. Surf Life Saving’s Codes of Conduct represent the minimum standards of member behaviour and must be complied with at all times.  There are two Codes of Conduct, both of which can be found in the SLSA Member Protection Policy.

  • The General Code of Conduct: includes expectations relating to respect; ethics; professionalism; complying with SLSA rules, policies and procedures; reporting breaches of the Safeguarding Program; and being a positive role model.
  • The Code of Conduct for People in Positions of Authority when Dealing with Children or Young People: includes expectations relating to positive guidance; overnight stays; language; adhering to role boundaries; transporting children; use of electronic communication; use of changing rooms; use of photography; physical contact; gift giving; wearing of uniforms; and use of alcohol or drugs.

SLSA Child Protection Policy

Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to every club member to establish clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people. To learn more about how you can protect our children and young members, please contact our club’s Member Protection Officer Information Officer (MPIO), Brad Newton – (mpio@queenscliffslsc.org.au)

All members who work with children and young people are required to complete the Surf Life Saving’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Awareness Course. To ensure you are recognised for completing the course, please login to the Members Portal first. Access to the course can be found in Memberships > Courses > Login to ELearning > Training Library >  SLS > Safety and Well-being (View Courses) > Safeguarding Children and Young People Awareness.

Play by the Rules also offers a free Child Protection online course that provides a certificate of completion.

NSW Working with Children (WWCC)

Queensie has a strong interest in keeping children safe. As a club, we comply with the Child Protection legislation where all members in child-related roles are required to have a WWCC.

The WWCC is managed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) and involves a national criminal history check and review of findings of workplace misconduct. The result of a WWCC is either a clearance to work with children for five years, or a bar against working with children. Cleared applicants are subject to ongoing monitoring, and relevant new records may lead to the clearance being revoked.

All NSW Surf Life Saving (SLS) members and employees (over the age of 18years) require a WWWCC from April 2015 if they are undertaking a child-related role. However, there are a number of exemptions, which are explained below.

For more information please read the Child Protection and the NSW Working With Children Check guidelines.

Roles within Surf Life Saving constitute child-related work

Some of the roles within SLS that require a WWCC include:

  • Member Protection and Information Officers / Grievance Officers
  • Junior Activity Chairperson
  • Age Manager / Age Manager Assistant
  • Water Safety personnel for Nippers / Surf Education programs
  • Youth / Rookie / YEP Coordinator / Assistant Sport Coaches for under 18 only squads/teams
  • TAFS / Program Assistants for under 18 only groups

To apply for a WWCC please follow the process and email your approved number to our club’s MPIO, Brad Newton.

SLSA Rights & Responsibilities

Surf Life Saving Australia youth members, leaders and the organisation reserve certain rights as members and carry with them certain responsibilities.

Youth Members have the right:

  1. to be safe;
  2. to be listened to;
  3. to be respected;
  4. to privacy;
  5. to take calculated risks in a protective environment;
  6. to an inclusive environment;
  7. to be referred to professional help if needed;
  8. to be protected from abuse by other members or outside sources.

Youth members are responsible for:

  1. Showing respect to other youth members and SLSA leaders;
  2. Keeping themselves safe;
  3. iii. Accurately report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members

SLSA leaders have the right to:

  1. access to ongoing training and information on all aspects of leading/managing surf lifesaving activities for youths, particularly member protection;
  2. support in the reporting of suspected abuse;
  3. access to professional support services;
  4. fair and equitable treatment by SLSA according to SLSA

SLSA leaders are responsible for:

  1. fostering team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care;
  2. using appropriate team management behaviour;
  3. iii. responding to youth members’ statements concerns about alleged abuse;
  4. ensuring the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced;
  5. reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate SLSA authority;
  6. not abusing members physically, emotionally or sexually;
  7. vii. maintaining confidentiality about sensitive information as designated by the appropriate SLSA authority.

SLSA Reporting Guidelines

All Queensie SLSC members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of, or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact our club’s MPIO, Brad Newton or follow the guidelines below.

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

Guide to Making a Report

Make a Child Protection Report

Other Information

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