Code of Ethics and Conduct

CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT - The Australian Institute of Tantra Training

THIS CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT (“CODE”) SHALL APPLY TO ALL STAFF, STUDENTS, CONTRACTORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, VISITORS AND CUSTOMERS (COLLECTIVELY THE “AFFILIATES”) OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF TANTRA TRAINING (HEREIN THE “INSTITUTE”).  COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CODE IS MANDATORY.

This Code outlines the ethical principles that govern decisions and behavior within the Institute, as well as the behavior of its students and staff outside of the Institute.  This Code also applies at all times to Accredited Tantra Practitioners who have been certified by the Institute.  It is expected all individuals dealing with the Institute will do the right thing – act in accordance with this Code, protect the image and reputation of the Institute, follow the law, act ethically and honorably and treat each other with courtesy and respect.  It applies to everything the Institute does and anything you do that can impact the Institute or its reputation. This Code is designed to assist you in making ethical, honest and correct decisions. It defines how we do business, and the conduct we expect of all people who are affiliated with the Institute.

1.        What is expected of me?

The Code does not attempt to describe every situation, law, rule or policy that may apply to you. There will be situations in which you will have to use your judgment on the most appropriate course of action, but the Code provides a framework which should guide you in making decisions in your day-to-day work.

We will respect the Institute in the way that we work and the way we treat company assets.

In terms of our work, we will respect the company by ensuring that we work to the best of our ability, devoting all our working time to the task at hand.

1.1   Be inclusive.

We welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.

We will respect our colleagues and those with whom we come into contact and show a sensitivity to each other’s feelings, cultures and individuality. We will welcome diversity, and will treat all with dignity, fairly and with respect. We will not disadvantage people with conditions or requirements that cannot be justified.

1.2   Be considerate.

We all depend on each other to learn and guide each other and you should at all times remember that your decisions will affect the Institute and its’ affiliates, and you should take those consequences into account when making decisions. 

1.3   Be respectful.

An environment where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive or creative one.  Be open to listening to others and giving and taking feedback in a constructive and respectful manner.  Always conduct yourself professionally.

1.4   Be kind.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior aren't acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

(a)    Bullying.

(b)    Threats of violence.

(c)    Insubordination.

(d)    Unlawful discrimination and / or discriminatory jokes and language.

(e)    Vilification.

(f)      Victimisation.

(g)    Sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or other means.

(h)    Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.

(i)      Unwelcome sexual attention.

(j)      Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.

1.5   Don't harass.

In general, if someone asks you to stop something, then stop. When we disagree, try to understand why. Differences of opinion and disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively.

Any threat made or retaliation towards an Affiliate who refuses to breach this Code or reports a breach in good faith, will not be tolerated and shall in itself be a breach of this Code.

We do not accept gossiping; abusive language; intimidating, hostile or derogatory conduct or remarks; unwelcome sexual advances or other conduct (verbal or in writing, in email or text, or any other physical conduct) which is of a sexual nature.

We do not accept the use or display of written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to others, particularly if it is motivated by characteristics such as gender, race, nationality, religious or philosophical beliefs.

We do not use techniques or styles that are constantly harsh, cynical or humiliating.

1.6   Act with integrity and honesty at all times

All Affiliates are expected to demonstrate the very highest ethical and community standards at all times when dealing with the Institute and each other, as well as report any dishonest actions of others to the Institute.

We should be truthful, accurate and helpful in everything we say or write. We should not make promises we cannot deliver, and should honour the commitments we have undertaken.

1.7   Respect the Institute

All Affiliates must respect the Institute by making sure our public comments never disparage the company on any of our personal social media pages (such as Twitter or Facebook).

You must respect the Institute and will work to the best of your ability to maintain its reputation, image and success, treating its assets, resources and property with care.

1.8   Comply with the law

All Affiliates shall ensure, in their dealings with each other and the Institute, as well as (in the case of teachers, staff and / or accredited practitioners) their customers and students, that they act in accordance with the law at all times. 

1.9   Protect Private information

We respect confidentiality and will not misuse any information that has been entrusted to us and we expect the same of our Affiliates.

1.10   Act professionally

The Institute expects its Affiliates and educators to behave professionally at all times, and to value and respect the intellectual rights of all.

The Institute also requires utmost intellectual integrity.  If your work brings you into contact with intellectual property of the Institute (confidential information, marketing plans or details not publicly known, for example) then you must respect that information and not share it with anyone who is not entitled to access, and certainly not outside the Institute.

You must not make misleading or deceptive comments about our own products or services, or about those of our competitors.

Our Practitioners comply with the ethics, values and standards of the Institute and do not engage in sexual intercourse or sexual gratification. 

1.11    Personal Responsibility

You are personally responsible for your own conduct in complying with this Code.

You are personally responsible for reporting known or suspected breaches of this Code.

No-one has the authority to order, request or influence you to breach this Code. You will not be excused for a breach because someone asked you to, or told you to, act in way that breaches this Code.

1.12     Ethical and conduct queries.

If you are in any doubt as to appropriate conduct of yourself or others and / or require some guidance in relation to this Code, you should ask Catherine Wood, Founder and Director.  Email: info@thesanctuaryofananda.com.au.  Staff of the Institute can also assist with general queries regarding the application of this Code and various policies (such as anti-bullying and sexual harassment policies) may be accessed via the Institute to assist and guide Affiliates.

1.13   Ethical test

When considering your actions, ask yourself:

(a)    Is my action or decision the right thing to do?

(b)    Would my decision or action be one that I would be proud of and that would not embarrass me if it became known to my family, friends, the Institute or became known to the public generally by being on television or in the newspapers?

(c)    Will this decision or action protect or enhance the reputation of the Institute as an ethical company?

If the answer to any of these questions is “No”, you should stop and carefully consider the position again. Seek advice from Catherine Wood, Founder & Director, the Institute.

2.        Private Information & Confidentiality

We respect confidentiality and will not misuse any information that has been entrusted to us. On a daily basis, you will have access to information that is confidential. We will not use this information in an improper way and will comply with our privacy policy.

We regard protection of confidential information as vital, and we expect you to respect and honour confidential information, whatever its nature. Unless specifically authorised to do so, you must not release any confidential information relating to any information or material you have acquired as a result of being associated with the Institute. This obligation continues even if your affiliation ends.

From time to time, we are entrusted with confidential information belonging to others, given to us in the expectation that we will respect the confidentiality of that information. This information should be given the same respect as our confidential information. It must not be shared or disclosed.

3.        Use of Accreditation seal

Accredited practitioners may be authorised by the Institute, to use the Institute’s accreditation seal on their websites and will be listed as an accredited practitioner on the Institute’s website.

If an accredited practitioner breaches this Code, their affiliation and recognition on the Institute’s website may be removed in the Institutes absolute discretion.

if Accredited practitioners act reasonably and ethically and comply with this Code and do not bring themselves, the Institute and / or its Affiliates into disrepute, they will remain listed on the Institute’s website as an Accredited practitioners. 

4.        Mobile phone / device use within Institute

I agree that I must not record teaching sessions or other correspondences with the Institute or students at any time and I must not take any photos within the Institute without the Institute’s express written consent.

5.        Misconduct policy

Breaches of this Code will have serious consequences. Your affiliation may be terminated for a breach of this Code. Where the breach also constitutes a breach of a law, the Institute will cooperate with the appropriate law enforcement agency (for example, the Police, or the Work Health and Safety authority) and you may face prosecution if the breach is also a criminal offence.

5.1   Reporting obligations

If you have been charged with any relevant criminal offences (such as violent, sexual or prostitution offences) you must immediately advise the Institute.

You have a duty to report any breach of this Code, or where in good faith you suspect a breach of the Code. It is not acceptable to turn a blind eye to others breaching the Code of Conduct.

5.2   How to report

If you have concerns that a Practitioner or Affiliate may be breaching our Code of Conduct please email info@sanctuaryofananda.com.au

5.3   Treatment of breach reports

The Institute requires a positive culture of integrity and ethics throughout every aspect of the Institute and any complaints regarding breaches of this Code will be treated seriously and fairly, and, where appropriate, confidentially.

All persons accused of breaching this Code will be provided the opportunity to respond to the accusations and be treated fairly.

Any reported breach will be investigated: some may be formally investigated.

5.4   Consequences for misconduct / breach of Code

The Institute may, in its absolute discretion, cease dealing with an Affiliate. This may include terminations of employment contracts, service contracts or other commercial agreements, including agreements with students of the Institute.

The Institute may report criminal actions to the police as required.