Trouble reading this email? click here Immediate suspension of abseiling activities TO: Region Commissioners, Deputy Region Commissioners, SC - Rovers, Region Commissioner (Activities), Rovers Activities Officer, Group Leaders, Leaders-in-Charge, Rover Unit Leaders, District Commissioners
CC: Chief Commissioner, Interim CEO, DCC - Operations, DCC - Program, Youth Safety and Support, ACC – Youth Program and Youth Support, State Commissioner - Adventurous Activities, State Leader - Vertical
Dear Scouting friends,
The safety of our young people is my absolute priority.
Following an abseiling accident last Saturday 22 May, I have taken the decision, after appropriate consultation, to suspend all abseiling activities. This suspension is to allow us to conduct an internal review of our processes, and to consider the outcomes of any investigation by WorkSafe NSW.
The suspension is effective immediately, and will be in place until the conclusion of any WorkSafe NSW investigation.
During this suspension period we will be reviewing the abseiling procedures, and safety and risk assessment methods. This is to ensure that we are fully meeting the safety requirements of this activity.
There are no exceptions to this suspension of abseiling activities.
I acknowledge that some may be concerned about the period of the suspension. Whilst I am unable to commit to a timeframe for the suspension to be lifted, I commit to keeping you informed of developments.
If you have any questions about this suspension, please speak in the first instance with your Region Commissioner (Activities) or direct your question to the State Leader (Vertical), Wal Waerner, at wal.waerner@nsw.scouts.com.au.
Thank you for your understanding of this matter. Our thoughts remain with the youth member involved in the accident, his family, other youth who were participating in the event, and the Leaders.
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. |