Member Protection Information Officer

Laura Langmead is Oakleigh Tennis Club's Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO). 

If you have any child safety queries, issues or concerns, please contact Laura on 0488 023 589 or [email protected].

Laura is a longstanding OTC member, a former club coach and a current committee member, who also has experience in this area in her work as a school teacher.

CHILD SAFETY POLICY

The following principles form the basis of Oakleigh Tennis Club's Child Safety Policy and underpin our commitment to child safety and wellbeing at our club:

• All children and young people deserve, as a fundamental right, safety and protection from all forms of abuse and neglect.
• Our club works in partnership with families and the community to ensure that they are engaged in decision-making processes, particularly those that have an impact on child safety and wellbeing and protection.
• All adult members in our club, have a responsibility to care for children and young people, to positively promote their wellbeing, to identify and mitigate risks related to child safety and wellbeing in the tennis club environment and to protect them from any kind of harm or abuse.
• The policies and codes of conduct for the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young people are based on honest, respectful and trusting relationships between adults and children and young people.
• All persons involved in situations where harm is suspected or disclosed must be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect.
• All members of the tennis club community (including children and young people and their families) are kept informed of child safety and wellbeing matters (where appropriate) and are involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

CHILD SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCT

New Child Safe Standards came into force in Victoria on July 1, 2022.

There are 11 Victorian Government Child Safe standards that organisations that dela with children (such as Oakleigh Tennsi Club) must comply with.

Please see the following link on the Commission for Children and Young People's website fro full details:  https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/

Oakleigh Tennis Club’s code of conduct that addresses each Child Safe Standard (CSS) is shown below:

CSS #1 – Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

OTC’:  All children and young people will be treated in the same manner as anyone else at OTC.

CSS #2 – Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

OTC: Coaches, committee members, club members and parents are made aware of this Code of Conduct.

CSS #3 – Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.

OTC: The club encourages junior representatives to join the committee.

CSS #4 – Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.

OTC: The club informs members of this Code of Conduct.

CSS #5 – Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.

OTC: All children are treated equally by coaches and club members at OTC. Junior members are encouraged to do the same.

CSS #6 – People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice. 

OTC: All coaches and committee members have current Working with Children checks. Any person who is alleged to have acted inappropriately will be investigated according to Victorian law.

CSS #7 – Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.

OTC: The club lets members know it has a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) (Laura Langmead – Committee Member) for dealing confidentially with child safety complaints. 

CSS #8 – Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training. 

OTC: All coaches and committee members are directed to the material at https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/resources/child-safe-standards/

CSS #9 – Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed. 

OTC: This Code of Conduct is posted on the club’s website and social media .

CSS #10 – Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.

OTC: Insights from any complaints to the MPIO  or any inappropriate acts are shared with the coaches and committee.

CSS #11 – Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.

OTC: A record is kept that this Code of Conduct has been read and agreed to by all coaches and committee members.