
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 member.protection@lsv.com.au
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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
Complaints Handling Policy
GQM-PO-003 V2.0 Member Protection Complaints Handling Policy
Complaints Handling Process
GQM-PR-002 V3.0 Member Protection Complaints Handling Process
Complaints Support Form
Complaint Support Request Form
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
|
Sat 21st November 9am – 12pm | Register Here |
Thurs 10th Dec 6pm – 9pm | ||
Complaints Handling Training
|
Sun 22nd November 9am – 12pm | |
Thurs 17th Dec 6pm – 9pm | ||
Safer Clubs – Creating a Safeguarding Culture | Sat 21st November 1pm– 2.30pm | |
Mon 14th December 7pm – 8.30pm | ||
Safer Clubs – Zero tolerance for Bullying, Sexual Harassment & Discrimination | 26th November 7pm – 8.30pm | |
3rd December 7pm – 8.30pm |
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.
Morgan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Leisure & Health) and Certificate IV in Training & Assessment.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
“Safeguarding Children and Young People is Everyone’s Business”
Please click through to the dedicated page for latest information: Safeguarding Children and Young People at LSV
Critical Incidents
A critical incident is any situation faced by emergency service personnel that causes unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later. Please refer to the LSV Standard Operating Procedures and the following documents for more information.
Please contact LSVComms for further support.
Phoenix Australia resources and information
Life Saving Victoria has worked with Phoenix Australia for many years. As experts in Trauma, Phoenix has assists LSV with early intervention training for officers and development of key resources.
Phoenix have recently release new resources to assist people affected by trauma, their families and friends. Resource below can be found on their website https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/recovery/fact-sheets-and-booklets/, with resources specifically developed for children and young people.
You can download or order the Fact Sheets and Booklets, or try out their PTSD Coach Australia App for free!
Fact Sheets
The following fact sheets are downloadable PDFs. You can also purchase bulk hard copies from the Bookshop.
- What is trauma?
- Trauma and children
- Helping yourself after a traumatic event
- Helping children after a traumatic event
- Helping a friend or family member after a traumatic event
- Trauma and serving in the military
- About posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Booklets
The following booklets have been designed for people who have gone through a traumatic event, or are close to someone who has, and are looking for help to cope with the experience. They include information such as accessing resources and quality care, as well as how to actively participate in treatment. You can download free copies from the PDFs on this page, or purchase a hard copy from the Bookshop.
PTSD and Recovery
This flyer briefly explains PTSD. Includes: What is PTSD? / What can I do? / Treatments for PTSD / Getting help / What is trauma?
Recovery after Trauma – A Guide for People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Includes: Do I have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? / Getting help / What can I ask my counsellor? / What can I do as a family member? / FAQs / Finding more information.
Joel and the Storm – A story for children who have experienced trauma
This colourful storybook describes the types of feelings and difficulties that a child may experience after a traumatic event. The story tells of Joel, a nine year old boy who experienced a terrifying storm, and how he is later helped by seeing a counsellor. The booklet includes some strategies for kids to use to help them feel better and more in control when they get upset.
What the? – Trauma, Stress & Teenagers
This informative booklet is designed specifically to help young people understand PTSD. It includes: What is a traumatic event? / Normal reactions following trauma / What is PTSD? / Getting help / Strategies to help relax and feel more in control.
Helping my Children after Trauma – A Guide for Parents
This booklet is designed for parents, carers and others who help children and young people who have experienced trauma. It includes: What is a traumatic event? / Common problems / What is PTSD? / Treatment for PTSD / How do I get help for my child? /Strategies to help my child relax and feel more in control.
Please do not modify or extract information from any of these resources without acquiring permission from Phoenix Australia to do so.
Health and Safety
Sun Safety
SunSmart, SmartPlay, Cancer Council Victoria and the Victorian Government have developed resources to help clubs spread the message of sun and heat safety whilst participating in sport/outdoor activities. Feel free to download the following resources and forward onto your members.
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