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 Umina 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.

Member Protection Team

Each 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.

The MPIO is available to provide advice to all members who may have an issue or grievance at the club and is the first point of contact for any member wishing to raise a concern or wanting to know what their options are. To contact the MPIO, please email your club to arrange a call back.

The Complaints Manager will only be notified of formal complaints, after the MPIO has been contacted in the first instance. The Complaints Manager will work through the complaint and carry out the appropriate actions according to the complaints policy.

Child Safe Coordinators support the club management team to create a child safe environment at the club. More information on child safety can be found below.

Lodging a complaint

After contacting the MPIO, should members wish to proceed with a formal complaint, this can be lodged via the online complaint’s portal: https://complaints.sls.com.au/

All formal complaints are handled by a trained Complaints Manager, who will be in contact after lodgement.

We understand that in a community organisation where everyone knows each other, potential conflicts of interest can arise. We want all our members to feel able to raise any concerns they have. Please advise when you contact the club if you have any concerns regarding a conflict of interest.

Child Safety

Surf Life Saving is committed to the safety and well-being of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events, or services. As the Child Safe Policy outlines, the Child Safe Code of Conduct applies to all members and associated parties.

Surf Life Saving recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm and exploitation. Everyone is responsible for treating children and young people respectfully and within the Child Protection Laws and the SLSA Child Safe Policy.

CHILD SAFE COMMITMENT STATEMENT

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.

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.

Child Safe Reporting

Keeping children and young people safe relies on all members being vigilant and reporting any child safe concerns. All club members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact the Umina Club MPIO or President and submit child safe concerns through the SLSA online reporting portal:

  • 1. Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Make a Child Safe Report’
  • 2. Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous
  • 3. Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to Surf Life Saving Australia‘s Legal Counsel and Surf Life Saving NSW State Complaints Manager for action.

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

Links to Policies & Resources