Maccabi promise of protection
MACCABI Australia has released its landmark Member Protection Policy (MPP) handbook, which has been developed to guard against bullying, sexual harassment, gender inequality and discrimination in Jewish sport’s principal body.
MACCABI Australia has released its landmark Member Protection Policy (MPP) handbook, which has been developed to guard against bullying, sexual harassment, gender inequality and discrimination in Jewish sport’s principal body.
Smorgon.
Developed in consultation with legal, child protection and work-safe experts, the beefed up child protection measures are currently being implemented, with training taking place at club level.
Chairman of Maccabi Australia Barry Smorgon said, “For these policies to make the genuine difference they should, the Maccabi community needs to embrace the lead taken by the Maccabi boards.
“Whilst built on the back of things that we all wish never would have happened, our approach is to engage in conversations with our 9000 members on a regular basis so that they are aware of the challenges and risks and in so doing we want to establish a resource base to help deal with any issues as they arise.
“Through this proactive approach we can build a culture that recognises and responds to the needs of our members.”
The entire process has been and will continue to be driven by the MAI Board and its MPP sub-committee, which is chaired by Philip Sheezel.
Sheezel, along with the national sub-committee, will oversee the rollout of the policy to the 50 clubs across the states. Together with the executive director of MAI Ellana Aarons, the sub-committee will undertake regular reviews of the document and its implementation.
In addition, a number of governance bodies have been established to ensure the integrity of the processes outlined.
Smorgon said, “Maccabi is committed to ensuring that every person who participates with our organisation is treated with respect and dignity, and is protected from discrimination, harassment and abuse.
“The safety, wellbeing and rights of all members, but most specifically children accessing services, events and activities undertaken by our organisation is paramount.
These policies provide the platform for this commitment, as well as the processes and people to support our members to hopefully resolve issues should they arise.”
Maccabi released a statement saying it is “indebted to the passionate and wonderful people who have committed their time and expertise to the Maccabi MPP program.”
AJN STAFF
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