Code of Conduct

Introduction 

 

All our mindfulness practice is underpinned by personal ethical standards. As a mindfulness based teacher and coach, I seek to embody ethical integrity as well as mindfulness, seeing both as central to practice. The following guidelines offer a framework and an aspiration for ethical practice. I would expect that mindfulness supervision would include some inquiry into these issues including any questions about their interpretation in specific situations. 

 

Respect each other and myself

 

I agree to show respect to all people with whom I come into contact during my work as a mindfulness teacher or coach. I will encourage participants, as appropriate, to maintain their own health and wellbeing. I will not discriminate against people on any grounds. I will keep relationships with participants professional and maintain appropriate boundaries. In return, I ask that any students or coachees show me the same courtesy and respect, free of judgment. 

 

Communication 

 

I agree to communicate with integrity. I will listen carefully and respond in a respectful way at all times. I agree to the best of my knowledge to ensure any written material on websites, email, information sheets, handouts etc. is up to date and accurate. I agree to use any social media appropriately and responsibly. I will work with participants to meet any individual communication and language needs, as far as possible. I will be open and honest about any issues that might create conflicts of interest and seek to ensure that they don’t affect my actions. When coaching, I will question deeply, offering scenarios intended to inspire thinking space. I am not a councilor and I should not be used in this manner with the expectation of answers provided. 

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Working within Good Practice Guidelines  

 

I agree to adhere to the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches Good Practice Guidelines for teachers. 

This includes: 

● working within the scope of my training and experience. I will work only with populations with whom I have sufficient knowledge, skills and experience, and I will not extend the scope of my teaching without appropriate supervision and further training 

● engaging in regular supervision and making choices with integrity about what I take to supervision to ensure that I work within ethical and safe practice 

● keeping up to date with my knowledge and skills  

 

Managing Risk

 

Where an individual’s needs fall outside of my knowledge, skills, and experience, I will, if possible, make suggestions about where they may seek alternative assistance.

 

I will take appropriate steps to assess and manage risk safely, in collaboration with the participant and with other involved professionals such as the person’s GP.

 

I will take responsibility for my own health and take appropriate steps if any health concerns might affect my performance or judgment and thereby put others at risk.

 

I will ensure I have appropriate professional indemnity insurance appropriate to the context in which I work. 

 

Respecting Confidentiality 

 

I will treat information given to me by participants as confidential. I will be clear when and how I might need to share information, for example when required to by law for reasons of safeguarding against harm to the participant or others. 

 

I will gain full consent from participants if sessions are to be electronically or written notes recorded. I will ensure that any written material about a participant is accurate and is stored safely and securely. 

 

I will adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – guidance can be found here.