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Why WORD? Qualifications, Certifications, Our Policies and the Integrity Code
Photo Credit: Caleb Smith
Rider: Instructor Jesse Cseh
Why WORD?
WORD has been Adventure Activity Certified by Worksafe to operate for since 2017! WORD was the first youth MTB operator to achieve this certification. Our safety processes and standards are rigorously audited yearly. This is a legal requirement to look after your kids in a adventure activity, yet we are the only youth organisation to have this certification in the Wellington region.
Your child’s safety is our biggest priority. We want them to have fun, but in order to do this they need to be in a safe environment- physically, mentally and socially. WORD is proud to be accredited as an Adventure Activity Operator.
❋ Adventure Activity Operator
❋ Ongoing Training and UpskillingAnnual training, instructor manuals, camps, regular competency checks, first aid requirements and Global Standard Mountain Bike Coaching (GSMBC) qualifications - WORD has the most robust training systems for any youth mtb organisation in the country
❋ Support from Sport NZSport NZ has recognised our leadership in youth recreation and are supporting as a partner to progress our teen programmes.
What to Expect
What does this mean?
Having integrity is being honest, ethical and having strong morals. It's doing what's right, even when no one is watching.
A club or organisation with a strong culture of integrity is safer and fairer for everyone. The culture helps prevent and respond to harmful behaviour in sport and recreation.
A culture of integrity means having an environment that is safe and fair. It is achieved through shared values and a shared commitment to high standards of behaviour.
There are powerful benefits
Building a culture of integrity has powerful benefits for both individuals and organisations.
For people
They feel safe, respected, and included.
They are confident concerns are taken seriously, and they have the full backing and support from their club or organisation if they raise a concern.
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged and feel safe to join and participate, including people who may have previously felt unwelcome or left out.
They are more likely to stay involved and contribute positively to the community.
For organisations
It enhances your reputation and builds trust with participants, families, and future members.
It strengthens relationships with partners, funders, and the wider community.
It helps prevent harm and reduces the risks of legal or reputational issues.
It supports a positive environment where everyone can focus on enjoying and developing through sport and recreation.
When people and organisations thrive, they uplift everyone around them, building safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
❋ WORD is adopting the integrity code
The Inegrity code - the policies and proceedures that guide usHow we act with Integrity and abide by the code
You may think that all sporting organisations are equal. WORD is proud to be a member of the first cohort of the Integrity Commission pilot programme and a sport and recreation leader! We are among 8 organisations to be the first in New Zealand to Adopt the Sport and Integrity Code and couldn’t be more proud to continue delivering safe programmes for our rangatahi. If you have any concerns about child welfare, safety, what is or isn’t a prohibitive behaviour or would like to reach to to raise a concern… this is where you can find all our documents and policies