Child Safe Standard 1

Gymnastics NSW believes children are the priority when responding to complaints of abuse. We acknowledge children are safer when complaints are addressed quickly, thoroughly and transparently. 

Guiding Principles and Key Behaviours


Child Safe Standard 6: Processes to respond to complaints of child abuse are child focused. 
Article 42 of the United Nations Rights of the Child: Children have the right to know their rights. Adults should know about these rights and help children to learn about them too. 
Key Behaviours: Gymnastics NSW has an accessible complaints procedures and a dedicated Child Safe Helpline (0488 111 260)  for reporting allegations and concerns of mistreatment. We ensure all complaints are handled sensitively and confidentially and embed a culture of reporting through ongoing education and training affiliation standards.  

Links and Information

1. Gymnastics NSW Child Safe Helpline: 0488 111 260 
2. Gymnastics NSW Grievance Questionnaire 
3. Child Safe Policy
4. Discipline Policy - found under Gymnastics NSW policies 
5. Grievance Policy - found under Gymnastics NSW policies 
6. Member Protection Policy
7. Member Protection Information Officer 
8. Complaints Handling Procedure
9. Making a Complaint - Safety Commissioner
10. Confidential Record of Child Abuse Form
11. Kids Helpline
12. Codes of Behaviour 

What we expect to hear children say: 
"I know who to talk to if I feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unhappy."
"I know who to talk to us someone asks me to do something I don't want to do." 
"I will be believed if I speak up about something that is concerning me and action will be taken because of it."
"I will not get in trouble if I speak up."
"I know I can call the kids help line on 1800 55 1800."

Ongoing Commitment 

Gymnastics NSW is committed to providing a culture where adults respond to abuse or exploitation of children's rights. Gymnastics NSW has transparent processes and practices to ensure all children's right are respected and upheld. 

We achieve this through: 

1. Enable - All affiliated clubs are required to have a fully trained & designated Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) and Child Safe Representative,  and easily identifiable and contactable to members to raise their concerns and for children and young people to have a voice.
2. Policy - Gymnastics NSW Child Safe Policy, Member Protection Policy, Ethics and Integrity Policy & Whistleblower Protection Policy provide a suite of clearly defined behavioral standards & complaint handling processes. All of these can be found under Gymnastics NSW Policies. 
3. Empower- Gymnastics NSW provides an easy to use online Grievance Form to report concerns or misconduct. Gymnastics NSW introduced a dedicated Child Safe helpline in 2019. (0488 111 260).  The line is supervised by the Gymnastics NSW Compliance Manager to support our children and young people in speaking out, making and handling complaints. 
4. Enforce - Gymnastics NSW enforces behavioural expectations through a fair and independent disciplinary process.You can access our Displine Policy under Gymnastics NSW Policies. 

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