Member Protection

In our Member Protection portal, you’ll find information on:

Member screening policies required to be part of a surf club;
Member Protection Information Officers; and
The Safe Clubs 4 Kids program.

Member Screening

Member Screening is a strategy adopted by SLSWA to enhance the positive participatory environment for its junior and youth (18 years and under) members. The SLSWA Member Screening Policy and Procedure (adopted 2003) is designed to align with current state-based legislation and ensure a best-practice approach to safeguarding children in sporting environments. Download the process here.

Surf Life Saving Australia also has a Member Protection Policy:

National Volunteer Police Check

The National Volunteer Police Check is designed to assist organisations adequately screen volunteers in working positions of financial trust or involved in driving or other special duties that provide services to vulnerable people.

Checks cost $14.80 per application.

Download the form and submit along with 100 points of identification to SLSWA.

SLSWA will then forward applications to the Police department for processing. Once checks are returned, SLSWA will contact clubs via letter of members who do not have a record. Those with a record will be contacted directly by SLSWA and need to obtain a National Police Certificate at their own expense.

Once checks are approved, SLSWA will contact clubs via letter.

Clubs are then required to update SurfGuard.

Working With Children Check

The Working With Children Check aims to increase the safety of children in our community by helping to prevent people who have a criminal history that indicates they may harm children.

Checks cost $11.00 for volunteers and $82.00 for employees.

WWC forms need to be collected from either your club or SLSWA and need to be forwarded to SLSWA for approval.

Once signed, SLSWA will return forms for the applicant to submit at their local POST office.

For further information visit Working with Children Checks.

Member Protection Information Officers

A Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) is responsible for the provision of information about a person’s rights, responsibilities and options when an individual is making a complaint or concern. MPIOs are impartial; they do not mediate or investigate complaints, they simply provide information regarding the complaints process.

How do you become an MPIO?

To become an MPIO, you need to complete this course:
Upon completion of the online modules, download and forward the certificate of completion to the SLSWA Member Development Officer.
Complete a face to face workshop.

Safe Clubs 4 Kids

Safe Clubs 4 Kids is an award winning initiative designed to enhance safeguarding strategies for children participating within sport.

The Safe Clubs 4 Kids initiative is delivered in conjunction with the four (4) partner organisations – the Department of Sport and Recreation, Western Australian Sports Federation, the Working With Children Screening Unit, and the Western Australian Police – Child Abuse Squad.

Topics covered throughout the workshop include:

Understanding the risks
Creating a safe participatory environment
Reporting processes
What Resources are available

For further information on the Safe Clubs 4 Kids Program, please refer to the Department of Sport and Recreation website.

For further information on all Member Protection enquiries, please contact David Somers, SLSWA Sport and Development Officer, via email or phone (08) 9207 6666.

More to explore

Members

Youth

Members

Member Information

Members

Club Guide