Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) play an important role in clubs and sport. An MPIO is the first point of contact for persons with a member or child protection enquiry or complaint. If you want to discuss a problem at your club or association MPIOs are trained to provide information and impartial advice to.
Should you wish to make a formal complaint, an MPIO will discuss the options available to you and guide you through complaint procedures. The Member Protection Officer for NSW is Tina Mougios should you wish to discuss a particular issue. You can contact Tina on [email protected]
MPIOs are impartial and do not mediate or investigate complaints.
What does a member protection information officer do?
- Listens and acts as a sounding board
- Clarifies basic points and concerns
- Refers to a sport’s member protection or welfare policy and explains what constitutes inappropriate behaviour
- Explains the complaint process and options available under a sport’s member protection or welfare policy
- Discusses any relevant laws and the right to complain to external agencies
- Offers to provide details for counselling or other referrals if appropriate or requested
- Monitors and follows up the enquiry or complaint
It is important that a member protection information officer:
- Takes complaints seriously
- Tackles one issue at a time
- Doesn’t take sides
- Maintains confidentiality if possible
- Provides reassurance about victimisation
- Keeps notes