Role of a Member Protection Information Officer
In an era when integrity is at the forefront of issues in sport, the role of Member Protection Information Officers (MPIOs) is increasingly important. For this reason, CPRG is eager to help clubs, associations, SSOs and NSOs to proactively meet their member protection needs. We were excited to deliver MPIO training for Surf Life Saving Queensland, after they were referred to our MPIO trainer Michael Fisher by the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport.
MPIOs provide information about the rights, responsibilities and options available to an individual making a complaint. They are central to maintaining the integrity and values of sport. As advocates for safe clubs, MPIOs can also play a key role in fostering inclusive cultures in clubs, associations and sport more broadly.
Member Protection Training for Surf Life Saving Queensland
It was a pleasure to deliver the training for Surf Life Saving Queensland, who are proactive in their approach to achieving the above. They have a comprehensive and readily applicable policy framework for their clubs. The provision of MPIO training is a key component of activating their policy framework and ensuring their volunteers and staff are well equipped to manage the myriad of integrity issues that can arise.
Play By The Rules
The workshop covered the key topics recommended by Play by the Rules, such as:
Why we need MPIOs
The National Integrity Framework
MPIO roles and responsibilities
Communication skills, including listening and responding effectively
Questions to ask when receiving a complaint
Examples of complaints and integrity issues in sport
Communication skills were a key focus of the workshop. Being able to listen and respond effectively, sometimes in highly emotional situations, needs training and practice.
We addressed the important delineation between MPIOs and complaint handlers. The key word in the MPIO title is ‘information’. This is the focus of the role, as opposed to handling complaints. There are significant and growing resources to support MPIOs on providing information. We spoke about where to find them and how to use them.
The workshop was delivered for a committed group of volunteers and staff. Given the breadth of information covered, the workshop ran for 3 hours, including time for questions at the end.
There could be more opportunity for MPIOs to play a proactive role in sport in the future, with Sport Integrity Australia providing increasing leadership and support for sport across the nation. Play by the Rules is currently undertaking a national review of the MPIO training to understand:
How recent changes in the Australian sporting sector impact the MPIO role (such as the introduction of Sport Integrity Australia)
How the MPIO role could best support sporting clubs across Australia in light of this new environment
(More information about the review can be found here)
Whilst the review is being undertaken, it will be important to continue to meet the needs of the sporting community by continuing to provide education opportunities for volunteers and staff. Both online and face-to-face MPIO training continue to be available and it is important to remain up-to-date with the latest resources and information. Sport Integrity Australia and Play by the Rules provide an excellent range of resources through their free e-learning platform and websites.
We’re looking forward to continuing to support sports to provide safe and inclusive environments through effective member protection and integrity practices and policies. If we may be able to support your organisation in these areas in any way please contact our project consultants here.
