Our Commitment to Child Safety

The Girls Run Club is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all children and young people in our care. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, or neglect.

To uphold this commitment:

• We maintain clear policies and codes of conduct to guide safe behaviour.

• All coaches and formal volunteers complete screening and have access to training to understand their responsibilities in protecting children.

• We provide simple, accessible ways for children, families, and members to raise concerns or make complaints, and we respond promptly, fairly, and with the child’s best interests at heart.

By embedding child safety into everything we do, we aim to ensure every young runner feels respected, supported, and safe while being part of our club.

Child Safeguarding & Complaints Handling Policy

1. Our Commitment

The Girls Run Club is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children and young people aged 8–18 who participate in our activities. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, or neglect.

We will:

• Require all volunteers to hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC).

• Provide training and guidance so that everyone understands their responsibilities in keeping children safe.

• Take all complaints and concerns seriously and respond promptly with the child’s best interests at heart.

This policy applies to all volunteers, participants, and families involved in The Girls Run Club.

2. Roles & Responsibilities

• Everyone in our club is responsible for safeguarding children and speaking up if they have concerns.

• Committee members/volunteers are responsible for acting on concerns, ensuring safe practices, and following this policy.

• Parents and carers are encouraged to support a safe culture by modelling positive behaviour and raising any concerns.

3. Code of Conduct

All volunteers, participants, and families agree to:

• Treat all children and young people with respect and fairness.

• Put the wellbeing of children first in all activities.

• Use positive and encouraging language.

• Never use physical punishment, intimidation, or inappropriate behaviour.

• Respect personal boundaries and never be alone one-on-one with a child where possible.

• Follow club guidelines for safe communication and supervision.

4. Complaints & Concerns

We encourage children, families, and volunteers to speak up if they have any concerns about behaviour, safety, or wellbeing.

Our simple process:

1. Raise the concern – Speak to our founder Amy or trusted volunteer.

2. Response – The club will listen, take the concern seriously, and act quickly to ensure safety.

3. Escalation – If needed, concerns will be referred to the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, Police, or relevant child protection agency.

Complaints can be made verbally or in writing. All information will be kept as private as possible.

5. Review

This policy will be reviewed every 2 years, or sooner if laws or club needs change. Updates will be shared with volunteers and families.