An MPIO is a person trained to be the first point of contact for a person reporting a complaint under, or a breach of, the ACA Member Protection Policy. The MPIO provides confidential information and moral support to the person with the concern or who is alleging harassment or a breach of this policy. They help the complainant deal with any emotions they may have about what happened and operate as a sounding board as the complainant decides what they want to do. The MPIO may accompany the complainant in anything they decide to do, if it feels appropriate and they are happy to do it.
If you feel you have been a victim of harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, gender bias or you feel that a person has breached the ACA Code of Conduct then you have two choices: either look up the ACA Member Protection Policy found on the ACA website or contact the Croquetwest Secretary.
The MPIO role:
- Listen and offer support
- Explain what constitutes inappropriate behaviour
- Explain to you what your rights are under policy and law
- Explain the complaint resolution process
- Assist others to determine best option/s
- Monitor and follow-up.
What DON’T MPIO’s do:
- Advocate
- Takes sides or judges
- Give advice or tell you what to do
- Provide counselling
- Intervene
- Breach confidentiality.
