Member Protection Information Officers

What is a Member Protection Information Officer?

Member Protection Information Officers are people trained to be the first point of contact within sporting organisations for any person considering making a complaint under the Member Protection Policy. MPIOs provide confidential, impartial and timely information and support. They act as a sounding board and provide information about the local complaint resolution options available to address the individual’s concerns. They do not mediate or investigate complaints.

They can also provide information and advice to sport administrators and complaint handlers with regard to the Member Protection Policy of that sport. They may reside in a club, the state association or a National Sporting Organisation (NSO). They can also be freelance (not linked directly to sport).

The MPIO can play a key role in ensuring your sport is safe, fair and inclusive. MPIOs do this through ensuring club people and administrators know their rights and responsibilities and ensuring policies that focus on member protection are being implemented. Such policies may include but are not limited to the complaints policy and procedures, child protection policies, harassment and discrimination policies.

What DO Member Protection Information Officers do?

• Listen
• Act as an impartial support person
• Provide information about discrimination, harassment and child abuse
• Provide information about the Member Protection Policy and the options available to resolve the complaint
• Provide information about relevant laws and the right to complain externally
• Discuss the possible strategies the individual can use to deal directly with the other person
• Provide contact details for counselling or other referrals as appropriate or as requested.

What DON’T Member Protection Information Officers do?

• Advocate
• Take sides or judge
• Give advice
• Intervene
• Investigate
• Breach confidentiality