Code of Conduct and Student – Teacher Relationship Guidelines

Lime House Yoga Code of Professional Conduct

This document set out the standards of ethical and professional behaviour expected of Lime House Yoga (LHY) teachers.  All LHY teachers and trainees will be expected to sign their agreement to upholding these standards. LHY teachers will have their certification and right to use the LHY name and logo revoked if they are found to have breached this code of conduct following investigation.  LHY trainees will be unable to complete the teacher training course if they are found to have breached this code of conduct following investigation.

Teacher – Student Relationship

A supportive and professional teacher – student relationship requires the teacher to have the highest standards of professional conduct. Yoga teachers need to respect the rights and dignity of all students. They also need to respect the trust placed in the teacher by the student and acknowledge the power dynamic that exists between a teacher and their student. The following codes emphasise trust and safety as the basis for the teacher – student relationship. Please note, here the word ‘student’ includes those attending yoga classes, teacher trainees and those being mentored.

Respect and Rights

LHY teachers will:

  • Treat all students with respect regardless of age, gender, sex, race, physical and psychological disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity status or religious affiliation and in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

 

  • Respect the values, beliefs and aspirations of all yoga students

 

Effective Communication

LHY teachers will:

  • Communicate with students in a courteous, respectful, compassionate and honest manner

 

  • Communicate respect for students through actions, language and behaviour

 

  • Listen to students needs, concerns, and preferences

 

  • Communicate clearly about ways to practise yoga safely

 

  • Seek permission before, and be respectful when, physically adjusting a student

 

  • Make comments about a student’s practice that are constructive and positive and not denigrating

 

  • Senior teachers who are mentoring other teachers have a responsibility to communicate clearly and supportively about a teachers progression, skill and any areas of development that may be required

 

Safety

LHY teachers will:

  • Maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for the teaching and practice of yoga

 

  • Maintain safety procedures for yoga equipment

 

  • Adhere to relevant legislative requirements relating to safety and care including Health and Safety and Duty of Care requirements

 

  • Maintain public liability and professional indemnity insurance requirements

 

  • Maintain current first aid training qualification and competency

 

Professional Boundaries and Sexual Exploitation

Acts of sexual harassment, assault or criminal activity of any kind by any yoga teacher are unethical and illegal and will not be tolerated by LHY.

LHY teachers will:

  • Always gain consent for physical adjustments and respect a student’s right to refuse adjustments regardless of whether they have accepted them previously

 

  • Be considerate of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of students

 

  • Be considerate of the preferences and limitations of students

 

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

 

  • Recognise the power-imbalance between teacher and student and not harass or exploit students physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or financially

 

  • Declare and take appropriate steps to address any conflict of interest that may arise in dealings with students

 

  • Avoid relationships that could compromise the integrity of the teacher-student relationship

 

Confidentiality

LHY teachers will:

  • Comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and General Data Protection Regulations 2018

 

  • Protect students’ privacy and right to confidentiality

 

  • Obtain consent from students before photographing, audio or video tape recording or permitting third party observation of yoga sessions.

 

  • Ask students’ permission before adding their names to mailing lists and be clear about the content of mail-outs. Always give the ability for students to unsubscribe from mailing list

 

  • On issues relating to criminal or illegal activity, seek guidance on further reporting to relevant bodies

 

Grievances

LHY teachers will:

  • Acknowledge the student’s right to make a complaint

 

 

 

 

Relationship with Peers

These Codes outline a professional approach to working with other yoga teachers and relevant professionals.

LHY teachers will:

  • Speak respectfully of other yoga traditions and health modalities

 

  • Treat other yoga teachers and colleagues in a respectful manner

 

  • When appropriate, refer to and work cooperatively with other yoga teachers and relevant health practitioners, to meet the needs of the student

 

  • Consult and take advice from colleagues and mentors, when appropriate

 

Professional Practice

These Codes relate to maintaining the professionalism in yoga teaching as expected by peers, students and the community.

Professional Performance

LHY teachers will:

  • Acknowledge and teach yoga within the scope of one’s skills, knowledge and ability

 

  • Maintain their own yoga practice

 

  • Commit to ongoing professional development in accordance with LHY CPD guidelines

 

  • Agree to cooperate fully with any LHY enquiry in relation to behaviour and responsibilities as a member

 

  • Abide by all LHY policies and procedures

 

Integrity in Teaching

LHY teachers will:

  • In all professional matters, act in a manner which honours the profession

 

  • Honestly, accurately and fairly represent the benefits and outcomes of yoga practice

 

  • Respect copyright and acknowledge sources when drawing on the work of others

 

Business Integrity

LHY teachers will:

  • Abide by all relevant business and legislative requirements, including, but not limited to, insurance, information governance and Data Protection

 

  • Ensure all information relating to the benefits of yoga and information used for promotional and marketing purposes is accurate, fair, clearly stated and not misleading in any way

 

  • Treat all employees, the community, students, colleagues and other yoga businesses fairly, transparently and honestly in the course of all business transactions

 

  • As much as possible adhere to environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices, including, but not limited to, recycling, using energy efficient products, being energy efficient, reducing waste, saving water and travelling smarter

Lime House Yoga Student – Teacher Relationship Guidelines

This guidance explains what Lime House Yoga (LHY) believes is an appropriate and professional student/teacher relationship.  It is primarily designed to give students the confidence to articulate their rights and understand their responsibilities in the class environment and in their one to one relationship with LHY teachers.

We expect LHY teachers to make their students aware of these guidelines and embody them in their everyday teaching.

Yoga Student Rights

  • To feel safe and supported in their practice
  • To feel their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs are being supported
  • To have a relationship with their teacher that is free from exploitation
  • To have the right to decline adjustments at any time if preferred
  • To feel they can ask questions and challenge
  • To seek a second opinion from another teacher confidentially if requested
  • To practice in an environment that is open, transparent and where their rights and feelings are listened to, believed and action is taken to resolve complaints immediately
  • That LHY ensures their accredited teachers adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct, maintains continuing professional development, insurance and first aid certification
  • Contact LHY with concerns around professional conduct. Phone 07763 625138 or email emma@limehouseyoga.com

 

Checklist for Student Concerns

Yoga is a thought provoking and emotionally demanding practice.  Each day students and their teachers come to the mat with a range of pressures, circumstances and experiences that can sometimes muddle our thinking.  This checklist is designed to support students in clarifying their concerns.

Do you feel under pressure to:

  • Perform beyond your physical, mental or emotional capability on the day
  • Withhold your concerns over something that is occurring to yourself or others in the teaching environment
  • Take on belief systems or “spiritual” practices that are not appropriate for yourself
  • Be touched or spoken to inappropriately
  • Partake in unwanted group therapy or provided with unwarranted advice
  • Should you feel your teacher may be in breach of their code of conduct and you do not feel in a position to resolve this yourself, you can contact LHY to discuss and/or view our LHY Complaints Procedure.

Yoga Student Responsibilities

  • Arrive on time & turn off your mobile phone
  • Be respectful of those who wish to sit quietly or meditate
  • Wear appropriate clothing that is respectful of the yoga tradition
  • Avoid eating heavy meals for two hours before class
  • Respect others. Refrain from disturbing the practice of others in the class with touch, moaning or groaning noises, or talking during the class unless invited to. Do not make adjustments to others on the teacher’s behalf, unless asked to
  • Leaves all phones outside the yoga room unless circumstances have been agreed with your teacher
  • Do not practice or attend a class under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Notify the teacher of injuries and/or conditions
  • Ensure you rest or ask for assistance if you feel a pose isn’t right for you
  • Understand and read the role of the Yoga Teacher. LHY Code of Conduct.
  • If you think your teacher may be in breach of their code of conduct, contact LHY info@limehouseyoga.com