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Member Protection

Member Protection Policy

Gymnastics Western Australia (GWA) Member Protection Policy has been developed to serve the best interest of its members. It clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities and expected behaviour of all members, employees, volunteers and visitors at GWA. GWA is committed to provide an environment safe for children, which is free from harassment and abuse for everyone, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values. The Membership Protection Policy provides a code of conduct forming the basis of appropriate and ethical conduct which everyone must abide by. GWA is committed to the principles of The Essence of Australian Sport – principles of fairness, respect, responsibility and safety. The Membership Protection policy is an essential part of GWA’s proactive and preventative approach to tackling inappropriate behaviour. GWA is committed to ensuring that everyone associated with the association complies with the policy.

GWA Member Protection Policy

Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO)

Trained Member Protection Information Officers bring a number of benefits to an organisation. Sport and recreation organisations with trained MPIOs are in a better position to manage legal requirements regarding anti-harassment and child protection legislation as well as addressing insurance requirements that require appropriate risk management strategies to be in place. In addition the training of MPIOs is a key requirement for sport and recreation organisations to achieve their ASC and state department of sport and recreation funding, in relation to the implementation of a national Member Protection Policy.

GWA Notification and Reporting Process

GWA Reporting Manual

Gymnastics WA MPIO's

Ruth Gibbons 0400 732 793 Paula Dick 0407 193 540

Sam Williams 0400 732 966 Lisa Cooper 0400 732 793

Jodie Behan 0400 609 135 Adelaide Jackson 0400 449 834

For more information on the role of an MPIO, or becoming a MPIO visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au

Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

Certain volunteers over 18 years, paid employees and self-employed persons carrying out “child related work” are required to have a WWCC.
Some people will be exempt, for example, volunteers under 18 years and parent volunteers who have children involved in the same club. For further information please see the 'Do you need a WWC Check' guide or the GWA WWC Check Flowchart.

To apply, obtain a WWCC form from Australia Post ( not available for download). For current fee's please visit the WWC website. For assistance completing the form see the 'Step by Step Guide'.

Clubs are required to keep a record of all employees and volunteers WWC cards. A Working with Children Recording Template is available to assist clubs.

Visit the WWCC website for more information www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

Negative Notice

People who apply for a WWC Check will be issued with either an Assessment Notice (in the form of a WWC Card), or an Interim or Negative Notice. A Negative or Interim Negative Notice prohibits a person from undertaking child-related work in WA.
Employers/coordinators must NOT employ someone in child-related work if you are aware they have a current Interim or Negative Notice. It is important this information be treated sensitively. This means advising only those who need to know to ensure that the person does not carry out child-related work. Please contact GWA for assistance if you receive a negative notice. Please note that this information is given as a guide only. For further information visit www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au/checkwwc

Volunteer National Police Check / Police Clearance

The criminal history checked in a Working with Children Check is only relevant to their interaction with children. It is not a full check of all convictions. Employees and volunteers also perform other duties such as driving buses, working with the disabled or managing money, where it is considered important for a police check to be undertaken. Employees should be asked to supply a National Police Clearance. Volunteers can complete a Volunteer National Police Check, the process for clubs is outlined below.

Volunteer National Police Check Process

Club asks volunteer to complete Part A and B of Application for Volunteer National Police Check form giving permission for the check. Form available from http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/serviceareas/volunteering/Pages/NationalPoliceCheckforVolunteersProgram.aspx
Club checks volunteer’s Proof of Identity as outlined on form.
Club completes Part C of form
Club sends copy of Application for Volunteer Police Check form and $11 fee per application to GWA. (No charge if they already have a current WWCC)
GWA stores applications in accordance with Privacy Statement for 2 years.
GWA completes Police Excel Spreadsheet and emails to Police.
Police reply to GWA by email within 5 days – advising if there are any Serious or Minor criminal convictions or any Traffic conviction
GWA advises Club

Play by the Rules

Play by the Rules is an online resource to assist clubs and associations with any issues they may face. It provides guidelines for administrators, coaches, officials and parents. The website also includes components covering Managing Risks, Complaints and Legal Stuff. There are plenty of resources available to your organisation as well as online training.

Safe Clubs 4 Kids

GWA, and our affiliated clubs supports the 'Safe Clubs 4 Kids' project. This project is being conducted by the WA Sports Federation in conjunction with the WA Police, Surf Life Saving WA, DSR and WWC Screening Unit.

The program aims to increase awareness of Child Protection in sport and recreation and reiterate that it is everyone's responsibility to keep children safe from harm. The Safe Clubs 4 Kids program is designed to give all our members, the knowledge and skills to identify possible child abuse and what should be done in a case where a child discloses abuse to club staff or volunteer.

There are four main learning outcomes of this project:

How to create safe environments
Understanding child abuse
Understanding responsibilities of clubs/associations (in the area of Member Protection
Understanding the role of a reporting officer

Safe Clubs 4 Kids Brochure

Please contact Sam Williams if you would like any further information services.development@gymnasticswa.asn.au