Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by our yoga teachers. Its primary goal is the welfare and protection of our students, teachers, yoga community, and the public. It articulates the ethical standards that our teachers must follow in accordance with yoga philosophy and modern day standards. The Code of Conduct is intended to elevate the professionalism and integrity of our yoga teachers by adopting uniform standards for behaviour yet recognizing the diversity of the many traditions of the teaching and practice of yoga. 

Business Practices 

Over the duration of the student-teacher relationship, teachers are discouraged from any kind of financial involvement with students, including loans, gifts and business relationships. If teachers have any questions about conducting their business affairs or potential financial involvement with students, they should contact school leadership for guidance. In addition, teachers will seek to…

1. comply with all legal and financial requirements that apply to their business;
2. ensure all communications and advertising relating to their work is accurate, fair, not misleading and firmly within their scope of practice;
3. treat employees, assistants, students, colleagues and other organisations fairly, transparently and honestly in the course of all business dealings;
4. follow sound environmental and sustainable practices in their professional and personal lives. 

Professional Standing / Continuing Education

Our teachers will maintain the integrity, competency, and high standards of the yoga profession by continuously striving to improve their skills through keeping current in new developments in yoga practice and by participating in continuing educational programs. As a student of yoga, teachers will maintain a regular yoga practice and maintain a relationship with their own teacher or mentor. As a teacher, they will maintain a public teaching schedule independent of UKYC to maintain a profile within their community and remain aware of shifts within the industry.

Teacher-Student Relationships 

UKYC and its teachers will treat their students with respect and with regards to their individuality, dignity, and privacy. Teachers will endeavour to create an environment that not only avoids harassment and discrimination, but is actively inclusive of individuals from across the range of protected characteristics. This includes but is not limited to practices that are trauma-informed, anti-racist and gender-inclusive in pursuit of a safe and productive educational environment. 

Teachers will avoid imposing personal beliefs on their students, although they may express them when appropriate in the class and in a sensitive and careful manner. Teachers recognize the trust placed in them by students and the unique power of the student-teacher relationship and will avoid exploiting that dynamic. Teachers shall avoid dual relationships with students (e.g. business, close personal or sexual relationships) that may impair their judgment, compromise the integrity of the teachings and/or use the relationship for their personal gain.

Teachers recognize that their purpose is to serve their student’s personal exploration and growth. They will avoid any activity or influence that is in conflict with the best interests of their students or that may be solely for their own personal gain or gratification. 

Integrity

We are committed to maintaining impeccable standards of professional integrity, and to promoting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of their students. They will strive to ensure that their intentions, actions, and speech are based on honesty, compassion, selflessness, trustworthiness, and transparency. Teachers recognize that the process of learning is never complete, and they shall avoid portraying themselves as “enlightened” or “spiritually advanced.” Teachers will dedicate themselves to studying, teaching, and promoting the art, science and philosophy of yoga and to maintaining high standards of professional competence and integrity.

Scope of Practice

Teachers will represent their qualifications honestly and provide only the services they are qualified and certified to perform. Teachers will not diagnose physical or psychological conditions, nor will they suggest rejecting advice from a GP or other licensed medical practitioner. If teachers are unable (or unwilling for appropriate reasons) to provide professional help or continue a professional relationship, they should make every reasonable effort to arrange for instruction for that student with an individual who holds the required qualifications. In the event of a physical or mental health event, teachers will exercise their duty of care until appropriate supports are made available.

Confidential Information 

UKYC and anyone working with or in partnership with the school will promote a confidential atmosphere in the training, and keep all personal information disclosed by their students and clients strictly confidential. Confidential information may only be shared if the teacher obtains written consent from the student or client except in the following circumstances… 

1. to comply with the law or the order of a court;
2. to prevent bodily harm or danger to the student or client or to others;
3. where the information has already been disclosed to the public. 

Students must seek permission to record or video any class sessions. UKYC may choose to take photos or video of class sessions for marketing and social media. Students will be given the opportunity to opt out of this if they wish. 

Inter-Professional Relationships

Teachers are part of the health care and wellbeing community and should strive to develop and maintain relationships within the community for the benefit of their students and their professional development. Teachers shall conduct themselves in an honourable manner in their relations with their fellow yoga teachers and other wellness practitioners. Teachers shall work to build the unity of their community by embracing diversity, collaboration and commitment for the benefit of all. Teachers shall practise tolerance and acceptance toward other yoga teachers, schools and traditions. Teachers shall not openly criticise practices followed by other yoga schools or teachers. However, teachers recognize that differences of opinion are to be expected, and they may be discussed in a sensitive and compassionate manner. When criticism must be made, it should be done with fairness, discretion and with a focus on the facts.

Advertising and Public Communications

UKYC and its teachers will not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements or advertisements concerning, but not limited to, the following: 

1. their training, experience, or competence;
2. their academic degrees, credentials or institutional affiliations;
3. their classes, workshops, and teacher trainings and associated fees;
4. the scientific or clinical basis for the success of their services;
5. statements involving sensationalism, exaggeration or superficiality or an intent to exploit a student’s fears or emotions or to create unjustified expectations for cures or results. 

Advertisements of workshops, clinics, seminars or similar events must have a clear statement of the purpose of the event, the audience for which it is intended and its educational objectives. The education, training, and experience of the teacher shall be fairly and accurately disclosed. All advertising and communications will be made with consideration for the recipient’s wellbeing and dignity.

Yoga Equity 

UKYC and its teachers will welcome, accept, and support all students regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, language, nationality, political, or cultural background. Teachers commit to a shared responsibility for awareness of and commitment to change the inequities that exist within yoga that result in many people feeling excluded and underrepresented. Teachers will make the conscious decision to address each of these issues thoughtfully and intentionally throughout their work in restoring equity to the yoga community. They can do so by…

• promoting equity
• reducing harm
• honouring and leveraging cultural differences
• fostering diversity and inclusion in all areas of yoga while honouring the integrity of yoga’s cultural and historical roots

Teachers shall not discriminate against or refuse to provide teaching or professional help to any student, client or employee based on any protected class such as age, gender (including pregnancy), race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status or genetic information.

Last Updated: 01.07.2022