Code of Conduct
⦁ Introduction
1.1
At Blu Matter Project (the “Organization”), we are committed to our mission to offer a holistic approach to support people living with mood disorders through the practice of yoga.
The organization is rooted in our core values: respect and diversity. Our goal is to create and sustain an environment where we treat each other with respect and dignity.
The organization is rooted in our core values: respect and diversity. Our goal is to create and sustain an environment where we treat each other with respect and dignity.
The Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is a set of standards and expectations that serves as a guideline for yoga teachers and students to follow. The Organization has adopted the Code in order to:
- promote respect for each other and acceptance of our differences;
- promote integrity and honest and ethical conduct;
- promote compliance with applicable govermental laws, rules and regulations
- deter wrongdoing; and
- enure accountability for adherence to the Code.
1.2
The Organization will ensure that each teacher and student is provided with a copy of the Code and signs an acknowledgment of receipt and review.
1.3
All teachers and students are required to be familiar with the Code, comply with its provisions, and report any suspected violations as described below in Section 6.
- DEFINITIONS
“Harassment” means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
Harassment includes:
- "Discriminatory harassment", which targets an individual or group of individuals based upon Prohibited Grounds under the Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19,
- Sexual harassment", which is defined as
- engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against an individual because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, or
- making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the individual and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the solicitation or advance is unwelcome;
"Prohibited Grounds” include race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status and disability.
- RESPECT WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION
3.1 General Behaviour
3.1.1 Teachers and students should always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
3.1.1 Teachers and students should always conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Teachers and students within the Organization must:
- Always act with fairness, honestly, integrity and openness;
- Respect the opinions of others and treat all with equality and dignity;
- Create and maintain safe, clean and comfortable environments for the practive of yoga;
- Promote the mission, vision and values of the Organization; and
- Strive to provide a positive and valued experience for everyone, including respecting each other's privacy and boundaries;
3.1.2
Teachers should ensure that they live up to any commitments they make to their students or to the public and ensure that their practices and behaviours conform to the representations they make about themselves in holding themselves as yoga practitioners who adhere to certain precepts.
Teachers should acknowledge the limitations of their skills and scopes of practice and, where appropriate, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment, or direction.
3.2 Respect for Human Rights
As part of our commitment to a successful, respectful and productive environment, we strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination, including harassment. We will ensure that all our policies and decisions relating to the contracting, terminating, development, compensation and any other terms and conditions of services provide for equal rights and opportunities.
The Organization will not tolerate acts of discrimination by teachers and students based on any of the Prohibited Grounds.
The Organization will not tolerate acts of discrimination by teachers and students based on any of the Prohibited Grounds.
- HEALTH & SAFETY
4.1 General
4.1.1
The Organization takes great pride in providing a safe and healthy environment. We comply with all legal requirements and follow acceptable industry practices. Furthermore, we strive to eliminate all foreseeable hazards that can cause fires, security losses, and damage to property and personal injury or illness.
4.1.2
You bear some of the burden of helping to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all by following health and safety rules, and by reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe equipment, practices or conditions. Please let staff know of any safety or health concerns so that they can be addressed.
4.2 Violence & Harassment
4.2.1
The diversity of the Organization’s students and teachers is a tremendous asset. Our harassment and violence policy supports our belief that our work environment should, at all times, respect the dignity and worth of each of us.
4.2.2
Teachers and students are prohibited from engaging in Violence or any form of Harassment, including Discriminatory Harassment and Sexual Harassment, against other teachers and students, staff, volunteers or members of the public.
Violence includes:
Violence includes:
- the exercise of physical force by a person against another individual that causes or could cause physical injury to him/her,
- an attempt to exercise physical force against an individual that could cause physical injury to him/her,
- a statement or behavior that it is reasonable to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against an individual that could cause physical injury to him/her.
4.2.3
If you learn of an incident of possible harassment, you must report the incident immediately. You will not be subject to any retaliation for making your report.
⦁ COMPLICANCE
5.1 Teachers and students must:
- Comply, both in letter and spirit, with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Organization operates;
- Adhere to all and procedures of the Organization, including the Code;
- Be aware of your responsibilities and position and ensure you act with the best intentions of the Organization when interacting with each other and members of the public.
6.1 Reporting and Investigation of Violations
6.1.1
Teachers and students should feel free to raise their concerns about possible improper activities without fear of retaliation. You are encouraged to identify yourself; however, reports of potential improper activity can be made anonymously.
Reports of actions violating this Code should be made to Karen Zorzi, Director of Operations (karen@blumatterproject.com). If uncertain about whether a concern falls within the Code, you should consult with Karen Zorzi.
When reporting a concern, you should clearly articulate the behaviour or action you observed and explain the concern.
Reports of actions violating this Code should be made to Karen Zorzi, Director of Operations (karen@blumatterproject.com). If uncertain about whether a concern falls within the Code, you should consult with Karen Zorzi.
When reporting a concern, you should clearly articulate the behaviour or action you observed and explain the concern.
6.1.2
After receiving a report of an alleged prohibited action, the Organization will determine the appropriate next steps based on the information presented (e.g. mediation or investigation). Reports of possible improper activity will be taken seriously and will be promptly dealt with.
You are expected to cooperate in any investigation of a potential improper activity or reprisal.
You are expected to cooperate in any investigation of a potential improper activity or reprisal.
6.2 Enforcement
The Organization will ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code. If, at the conclusion of the investigation, the Organization determines that an improper activity has taken place, it will take required action.
This action may include penalties or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of teacher/student contracts. Appropriate steps will also be taken to prevent the improper activity from happening again, including permanent removal from the partner studio.
This action may include penalties or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of teacher/student contracts. Appropriate steps will also be taken to prevent the improper activity from happening again, including permanent removal from the partner studio.
6.3 Prohibition on Retaliation
The Organization does not tolerate acts of retaliation, including discipline, discrimination, harassment, suspension or threats, against anyone who makes a good faith report of known or suspected acts of misconduct or other violations of this Code.
6.4 Confidentiality
During the resolution of possible violations, all information must remain confidential, except where sharing information is required by law or for the purposes of the investigation.
Complainants, respondents (the person against whom the complaint is made) and witnesses will have access to statements they have made and information that they have provided.
7.1 Confidentiality
As a teacher or student with the Organization, you may have access to confidential information about the Organization. You must use this information only for the purposes of your role with the Organization. The only exception is information we make available to the public, such as press releases, promotional materials or public announcements. Any breach of confidentiality is considered a very serious offence.
7.2 Privacy
You are required to safeguard the confidential, personal, private and proprietary information of the Organization. Any collection, use, retention, disclosure, modification and/or disposal of confidential and private information must fully comply with applicable legislation, including without limitation, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
⦁ REVIEW
8.1
8.1
This Code will be reviewed by the Organization every two years to assess the effectiveness of the policy in achieving the purpose set out in Section 1 as well as comply with municipal, provincial and federal laws and regulations, as may be amended from time to time.
8.2
Concerns and/or questions about this policy can be directed to info@blumatterproject.com.