Trouble reading this email? click here Dear Scouting Friends,
Following an abseiling accident on Saturday 22 May, I made the decision, after appropriate consultation, to suspend all abseiling activities.
This period of suspension has allowed us to conduct an internal review of our processes, and to consider the outcomes of any investigation by SafeWork NSW.
Today, following subsequent advice from SafeWork NSW, I need to advise you that this suspension will continue.
As a result of our discussion with SafeWork NSW today, this suspension now includes in addition to Abseiling activities, all outdoor and indoor activities and exercises that include the use of any ropes and harness type activities for the purposes of lifting, suspending or holding weight of any child or person during an activity by Scouts NSW. This more defined definition also includes:
Slack lining where participants are less than one metre from the ground can proceed.
Activities to be run at and by commercial providers can proceed, i.e. commercial indoor climbing gyms can be used, as normal, subject to following the commercial activities policy. (available at https://www.nsw.scouts.com.au/members-services/policies-and-resources/policies/).
There are no other exceptions to this suspension.
Yours in Scouting, Neville Tomkins Chief Commissioner Scouts Australia (NSW Branch) Child Safety in Scouting Scouts Australia NSW is committed to operating as a child safe organisation and implementing child safe policies and practices in accordance with the elements of a child safe institution outlined by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse report entitled Creating Child Safe Institutions.
Remember All suspicions, concerns or allegations about criminal matters or child protection matters should be reported directly to the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Safety, Compliance and Support), the CEO or the Child Protection Officer at the NSW State Office.
Imminent Danger If a young person is in imminent danger, the matter should be reported directly and immediately to NSW Police on 131 444. Where a report is made to the police, you should also subsequently notify the NSW State Office. You've received this email as a member of Scouts Australia NSW, or through your email address being the contact email provided for a member of Scouts Australia NSW. |