Our Policies

  • The Vishuddha Centre

    Terms and Conditions

    Please take time to read these Terms and Conditions carefully. This document should be read in conjunction with the Health, Safety and Property Waiver. All clients are asked to agree these Terms and Conditions and the Waiver, upon booking a class, workshop or course at The Vishuddha Centre (hereafter referred to as the Centre). By booking into any Vishuddha Centre classes, workshops or courses, whether online or at the Centre, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions and the Waiver.

    We have attempted to make this document as clear and transparent as possible. If you require any clarification, please email us prior to making a booking, and we will endeavour to answer your query.

    Cancellation Policy

    In the event of the Centre cancelling a class, workshop or course, you will be refunded for the cost of it or, if purchased as part of a class pass, you will be refunded a class pass credit.

    The Centre undertakes to advise you of any cancellation as soon as possible. If a teacher is taken ill or is unable to teach due to an emergency, the Centre will use its best endeavours to find a suitable replacement teacher. If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund or if purchased as part of a class pass, you will be refunded a class pass credit. We are unable to reimburse you for any other personal expenses or travel costs incurred by you.

    In the event that a client cancels their class/workshop.

    If a yoga class is cancelled before 8 hours of the class start time, you will receive a full refund or a credit on your class pass (whichever is applicable). In the event that the cancellation is within 8 hours of the class start time, no refund or class pass credit will be payable and this will be forfeited. This policy applies equally to both live classes at the Centre and to online classes.

    At the time of booking onto any course,/workshop, you will be advised of the cancellation policy in respect of that specific course.

    Transfer to another student.

    In the event that you have missed the relevant cancellation window and therefore it is not possible to refund you, you can transfer your place in a class or workshop to a friend at no extra cost. Any transfer of payment must be dealt with between you and not through the Centre. If a transfer is organised by you, you must email the Centre as soon as possible to notify us of the name of the person attending, who must also be registered with the Centre.

    The Centre reserves the right to amend its cancellation policy at its sole discretion.

    Class Pass

    Once purchased, class passes cannot be refunded under any circumstances. You can transfer your class pass credits to a friend if you are unable to use them. Please contact the Centre via email to confirm the name of who you are transferring your class pass credits to, to enable us to update our records. The transferee must also be registered with the Centre.

    All class passes have an expiry date, by which date all of the classes must have been used. At the point of purchase, you will be notified of the expiry date, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you make note of this. Any classes which have not been used by the expiry date will be forfeited.

    In extenuating circumstances, such as in a medical emergency, the expiry date of the class pass can be extended. This is at the discretion of the directors of the Centre and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you seek an extension of the expiry date, please email the Centre as soon as possible and detail the reasons why you seek an extension and how long for. We will consider your request and get back to you as soon as possible and within 5 working days.

    Pricing and Payment

    Information displayed on the website or the Mindbody App regarding pricing, is subject to change by the Centre, without notice.

    From time to time the Centre will offer discounts on classes, workshops and courses. Any offers will be shown on the website and will be for a limited time. Please refer to the website regularly to ensure that you do not miss out.

    Subject to any statutory rights of cancellation, payments for all classes, course or workshops are non-transferable and non-refundable unless otherwise stated within these Terms and Conditions.

    Booking Policy

    All classes, courses and workshops must be pre booked and paid for via the Mindbody App or our website. If you are having any difficulties making a booking, please contact the Centre via email and we will try to assist you.

    Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the class to find a space, prepare yourself and to notify the teacher of any injuries, pregnancy etc. Allow additional time if you need help with your booking.

    Bookings can be made online up to 5 minutes before the session begins. Spaces are only confirmed upon payment.

    Studio/Class Times

    Details of studio/class/workshop times may vary from time to time. Class/workshop times will be available on our website.

    We aim to start all our classes/workshops on time. The teacher/Centre reserves the right to refuse entry to any clients who arrive for the session after it has started. This can cause disruption to the other clients, and it may also be unsafe, for example, if you have missed the warm up.

    Timetable

    The Centre reserves the right to make alternations to the timetable, teachers and/or equipment, terms and conditions as well as to ancillary facilities (for example, use of the kitchen), provided to members and on occasion, with minimal notice.

    Parking

    There is no space to park cars outside of The Vishuddha Centre or on East Street. The Centre is located in a residential area and visitors to the Centre are prohibited from parking on East Street. Oatlands Road Car Park is located within a 5 minute walk of the Centre.

    Substitute Teachers

    In the event of a teacher being unavailable to teach due to illness, travel or other exceptional circumstance, the Centre reserves the right find a substitute teacher.

    Marketing Material

    Some classes are livestreamed. In the event that you do not want to appear on the screen, it is your responsibility to place yourself in a position in the studio, where you will not be in view.

    From time to time, photographs and videos may be taken of a class, workshop or in the communal areas, and be used by the Centre for marketing purposes. You will be informed prior to any video footage or photographs begin taken and we will obtain your consent to do so, at that time. If footage is to be taken during a class/workshop, the teacher will inform you of this at the beginning of the session and you will have the opportunity to move your position so that you are not in view.

    It is your responsibility to make it known that you do not consent to being recorded or to your photograph being taken, at the time of being informed. If you do not make it known, it is implied that you are content for this to happen and that you have no objection to the footage being used by the Centre for marketing purposes.

    Dress and Conduct

    Storage for footwear has been provided close to the entrance door. Footwear should be removed at this point and before entering the other areas of the Centre.

    Clients should wear clothing appropriate for their yoga practice.

    The Centre will not tolerate any abusive, offensive or threatening behaviour towards staff, teachers, management and other clients. This includes and is not limited to, any communication via telephone, email, social media or in person. Any person exhibiting such behaviour will be asked to leave the Centre immediately and.in such circumstances, no refunds or class pass credits will be payable.

    The Centre reserves the right to refuse future entry to any person who has behaved in an abusive offensive or threatening manner.

    Interpretation

    The “Centre” means The Vishuddha Centre, 16 East Street, Oxford, OX2 0AU.

    The “Website” means https://www.vishuddhayoga.org

    The “Waiver” means the Health, Safety and Property Waiver

    “Terms and Conditions” means the terms and conditions contained within this document.

    “Client” means any member of the public who attends the Centre to partake in a class, workshop or course or to use its other facilities.

  • HEALTH, SAFETY AND PROPERTY WAIVER

    By booking a class with The Vishuddha Centre, 16 East Street, Oxford, OX2 0AU, you confirm that you have read and understood this Health, Safety and Property Waiver and agree fully with its contents. This document should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions.

    I agree with the following:

    1. I have signed this waiver voluntarily.

    2. That I am participating in yoga classes/workshops/courses at The Vishuddha Centre during which I will receive information and instruction about yoga, physical exercise or health. I recognise that yoga requires physical exertion, that this may be strenuous and may cause physical injury and/or illness, and I am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved.

    3. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult my doctor or other relevant medical professional prior to and regarding my participation in the yoga classes or workshops.

    4. By attending a yoga class or workshop I am confirming that I have no medical condition or health problem, which would prevent my participation (including but not limited to, cardiac irregularities, dizziness, asthma/breathing difficulties, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, any injuries to my muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints). It is my responsibility to ensure that I am fit and well enough to participate in any class or workshop which I book.

    5. If I am pregnant, I understand that I participate fully at my own risk and that of my unborn child/children.

    6. I understand that it is my full responsibility to inform the teacher, at the beginning of each class, if:

    • I have any health concerns or medical conditions,

    • I am taking any medication which may affect my ability to participate in the class/workshop,

    • I am pregnant.

    I understand that the teacher has the right to request that I do not take part in the class because of this disclosure and that I will not receive a refund.

    7. If I begin to feel unwell during a class/workshop/course, it is my responsibility to cease any activity and to inform the teacher immediately.

    8. Advice provided by any of the teachers at The Vishuddha Centre at no time constitutes medical advice and is not a substitute for advice provided by a medical professional.

    9. I will not use any equipment during the class which I do not know how to use or until I have received full instructions and guidance from the teacher, on how to use the equipment safely. If I am unsure of how to use a piece of equipment, it is my responsibility to inform the teacher of this, prior to using it.

    10. I will follow the instructions of the teacher at all times.

    11. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the yoga classes, workshops or courses at The Vishuddha Centre, I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks or injuries which occur during the class/workshop/course.

    12. In further consideration of being permitted to participate in the yoga classes, workshops or courses, I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against The Vishuddha Centre or any individual teachers, for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of participating in the yoga classes, workshops or courses.

    13. I understand that from time to time during a session, the teacher may physically adjust students’ form and posture. If I do not want such physical adjustments, I will inform the teacher. I also acknowledge that if I do wish to receive such adjustments, it is my responsibility to inform the teacher when an adjustment has gone as far as I desire at that time.

    14. I understand that I must not attend The Vishuddha Centre under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs and that my entry may be refused, and I will not receive a refund for missed classes, workshops or courses as a result of being under the influence.

    Property

    15. I take full and sole responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property and understand that The Vishuddha Centre will not, under any circumstances, be held responsible or liable for such loss or damage.

    16. It is my responsibility to ensure that my personal belongings are safe at all times.

    17. I understand that bicycles and their contents, locked up on or outside of the premises are left at my own risk and The Vishuddha Centre will accept no liability for loss, damage or theft in respect thereof.

    18. I understand that there is no space to park my car(s) outside of The Vishuddha Centre or on East Street and that I must park elsewhere. I understand that the Centre is located in a residential area and that visitors to the Centre are prohibited from parking on East Street.

    Online & virtual classes/workshop

    18. As with The Vishuddha Centre’s studio classes, by taking part in any online class, I acknowledge that classes may be physically strenuous, and I voluntarily participate in them with full knowledge that there could be a risk of personal injury or illness.

    19. When practising from home, I accept full responsibility for my home space and the health and safety precautions within this space.

    20. I acknowledge that The Vishuddha Centre accepts no responsibility for any potential injuries caused to me, as a result of me ‘attending’ an online class, workshop or course.

    21. Whilst practising online, I am responsible for choosing and taking suitable modifications within my practice.

    I have read the above Health, Safety and Property Waiver and fully understand its contents. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions of this Waiver, under my own free will.

    By booking into any Vishuddha Centre classes, workshops or courses, whether online or in the Centre, I hereby agree to the terms and conditions above.

    I have read this Waiver document in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions document.

    Item description

  • I. Principles

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to foster a community of practice in Oxford, sharing knowledge and teaching to bring deeper understanding and application of all aspects of yoga and its sister sciences. When engaging with all communities, we embrace diversity by design, inclusion in practice, and equity across our approach.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre collects and stores specific and relevant personal data and is fully aware of its responsibility to ensure due vigilance regarding safeguarding this data, and appropriately disposing of it at the right time. This policy outlines the actions that the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will take to ensure that personal data is treated in line with the General Data Protection Regulation Principles (GDPR).

    II. Purpose

    The Data Protection Policy outlines the actions that the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will take to ensure that personal data is treated in line with the GDPR. The policy provides guidance and information on:

    • What data will be collected

    • The use of personal data

    • The security of personal data

    • The rights of individuals over their data

    • How this policy will be regularly reviewed and updated

    III. Scope

    The policy is applicable to all who visit, use, study, or work at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre. The Trustees of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre are responsible for overseeing this policy and ensuring that it is applied and reviewed on a regular basis.

    IV. Definitions

    Personal data means any information capable of identifying an individual. It does not include anonymised data.

    V. General Data Protection Regulation Principles

    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has now replaced the previous law on data protection (the Data Protection Act 1998) and gives individuals more rights and protection in how their personal data is used by organisations. The Vishuddha Yoga Centre adheres to the principles of Article 5 of the GDPR that requires that personal data shall be:

    • Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to individuals

    • Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes

    • Further processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes shall not be considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes

    • Adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed

    • Accurate, and where necessary, kept up to date. Every reasonable step must be taken to ensure that personal data that are inaccurate, having regard to the purposes for which they are processed, are erased or rectified without delay

    • Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed. Personal data may be stored for longer periods insofar as the personal data will be processed solely for achieving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes subject to implementation of the appropriate technical and organisational measures required by the GDPR in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals; and

    • Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures.

    VI. Responsibilities

    Data collected by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will only collect personal information as given freely by individuals through a variety of different methods including:

    • Direct interactions, for example, filling in a registration or health form at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre

    • Digital interactions, for example by phone, text, email, social media, through the MindBody booking and payment system, including when an individual books a class; submits contact details or questions; subscribes to newsletters or updates; or requests information.

    Data collected may include:

    • Identity data, including name, date of birth, and gender

    • Contact data, including billing address, email address and telephone numbers

    • Financial data such as bank account and payment card details

    • Transaction data about payment made

    • Profile data that may include a username and password, booking schedule, preferences, and feedback

    • Usage data, about how individuals use the website and services

    • Communications data, including communication preferences

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre teachers may keep personal information about their students including name, address, contact telephone number or email, emergency contact numbers, and sensitive personal information about physical or mental health conditions that are required to ensure a safe yoga practice can be provided.

    The Mindbody booking and payment system may also collect certain non-identifying information including, but not limited to, IP addresses, browser types, referral sources, operating systems, and date and time of your visit. The Mindbody Inc Privacy Policy is available here: www.mindbodyonline.com/privacy-policy.

    Data will only be stored for the legitimate purposes for which it is requested and is retained only for as long as necessary for these purposes and will then be destroyed. However, by law, the Vishuddha Yoga Centre is required to keep basic information about customers (including contact, identity, financial and transaction data) for six years after they cease being customers for tax purposes.

    Security

    To ensure that personal data is handled in a lawful, fair, and transparent way, the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will:

    • Store all personal data securely using modern software that is kept up to date

    • Limit access to personal data to personnel who need access (for example, teachers); Appropriate security will be in place to avoid unauthorised sharing of information with third parties

    • Delete personal data safely when required or requested, and so that the data is irrecoverable; and

    • Ensure that appropriate back-up and disaster recovery solutions are in place.

    Disclosure of Personal Data

    Personal data may have to be shared with the parties below in line with Data Protection guidelines:

    • Service providers who provide IT and system administration services

    • Professional advisers including lawyers, bankers, auditors, and insurers who provide consultancy, banking, legal, insurance and accounting services

    • HM Revenue & Customs, regulators and other authorities based in the United Kingdom

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre requires all third parties to whom data is transferred to respect the security of personal data and to treat it in accordance with the law. Third party access will only be granted for specified purposes and in accordance with instructions from the Board of Trustees.

    Data Rights

    All individuals who have personal data held by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre are entitled to Data Subject Rights that allow:

    • The right to request a copy of their personal information

    • To request that inaccuracies are corrected

    • To request the Vishuddha Yoga Centre to stop using their personal data

    • To request their data to be erased

    In the event that inaccurate data needs to be corrected, a request should be made in writing via email or letter, using the addresses noted in VII, below. Corrections will be made within 5 days of the request and confirmation will be provided if this has been done.

    Personal Responsibility

    All individuals who have personal data held by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre should also take responsibility for their own data. This includes making sure the data provided is correct; having full understanding as to why their data is held by the Centre and the measures taken to protect the data; and raising immediately any concerns regarding protection and use of their data.

    VII. Action and Remedies

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will continue to review its data protection systems to stay up to date with new legislation. This will be done on an ad-hoc basis as required, and regularly on an annual basis.

    The Vishuddha Centre recognises that personal data may be breached. This may include the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to an individual’s details without them being informed. As soon as the Vishuddha Yoga Centre is aware of any such breach inadvertently arising, it will inform the individuals concerned immediately.

    Any complaints regarding use of personal data should be made to the Vishuddha Centre Directors and Board of Trustees. Complaints should be made in writing and can be submitted via letter or email to the following address:

    16 East Street

    Oxford

    OX2 0AU

    Email: admin@vishuddhayoga.org

    An initial acknowledgement of the complaint will be made within two working days of the complaint being received. All efforts will be made to deal with the complaint swiftly, and to rectify any breaches of personal data within a period of two weeks from the initial complaint. However, it is recognised that in some cases the time needed to resolve an issue may take longer.

    This policy will be implemented in line with the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Safeguarding Policy which aims to ensure that everyone associated with the Centre is protected from all forms of harm.

    VIII. References

    This Data Protection policy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

    - The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Code of Ethics

    - The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Safeguarding Policy

    - The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Dignity at Work Policy

    - The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Health and Safety Policy

    IX. Approval and Review

    This policy will be reviewed every 12 months alongside other relevant policies and will be updated as required as part of the Trustee roster of governance.

    This policy was approved by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Trustees. This version of the policy will take effect on 25.05.22 and will be reviewed on 25.05.23.

  • I. Principles

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to foster a community of practice in Oxford, sharing knowledge and teaching, to bring deeper understanding and application of all aspects of yoga and its sister sciences. When engaging with all communities, we embrace diversity by design, inclusion in practice, and equity across our approach.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre health and safety policy aims to minimise all health and safety risks to ensure that those who work, teach, or practice at the centre can be safe from accidents and are informed of the procedures to take in case of emergencies.

    II. Purpose

    The Health and Safety Policy aims to minimise health and safety risks through prevention, training, consultation, and evacuation. It provides guidance to:

    • Manage health and safety risks in the Vishuddha Yoga Centre to prevent accidents

    • Provide clear instructions, information, and adequate training to ensure teachers and others who work at the Centre can implement the policy and minimise risk

    • Implement emergency procedures in the case of fire or other significant incidents

    • Provide and maintain a safe environment for the practice of yoga

    • Provide guidance on action to be taken if a health and safety issue arises

    III. Scope

    The policy is applicable to all who visit, use, study, or work at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre. The teachers will be responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented when working at the Centre. The Directors will ensure that the building is maintained to minimise health and safety risks. The Trustees of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre are responsible for overseeing the policy and ensuring that it is applied and reviewed on a regular basis.

    IV. Responsibilities

    Risk Assessment

    The Directors of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that any changes to the building fabric will be considered in terms of potential risk and will take action to minimise any risks identified.

    Any sub-contractor working at the VIshuddha Yoga Centre will be asked to inform the Directors of any potential risk that may be caused by their work, so that measures can be put in place to mitigate the risk.

    The teachers of the VIshuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that they appraise the risks associated with classes they teach and will ensure that measures are put in place to minimise any risks identified. This will include being well-informed of any ailments or physical or mental issues of students and ensuring that classes and asana are adapted to the needs of those students. Students will be required to fill in a health form and provide emergency contact numbers. This information will be kept at the centre, but only accessible to the relevant teachers, in line with the Vishuddha Centre Data Protection and Privacy Policy.

    If there are building works or other issues that may cause a risk to the teachers and students using the centre, a notification will be sent out to the teachers so they are aware of the problem, can plan accordingly, and inform their students. In addition, notices will be put up within the Vishuddha Yoga Centre building to inform students and teachers of any building works or problems, and to ensure that people are reminded of the issue and aware at all times.

    Training and standards

    All yoga teachers will be qualified through a recognised yoga training body and will undertake regular professional development. Teachers may only teach what they are qualified to teach.

    All yoga teachers will be required to complete a basic first aid at work training before they teach at the Centre. Refresher training will be undertaken every three years. Opportunities for First Aid training for teachers may be held at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre.

    A health and safety induction will be provided for all teachers before they start to teach at the centre. Yoga equipment such as ropes may only be used by teachers when they have been trained in the correct use of such equipment.

    Yoga teachers will ensure that they are aware of where the first aid kit is kept onsite.

    Lone Working

    Yoga teachers may often be working alone at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre and will be fully briefed on how to open and close the studio, and how to use the lights and other electrical equipment in the centre. They will be responsible for ensuring that the centre is opened on time before a class, and closed fully once all students have left. Telephone numbers for the Directors will be available for the teachers to call should they need advice or if any issues or incidents arise.

    Teachers should ensure that they feel safe with students at all times. If a teacher has any concerns around their safety, this should be discussed immediately with the directors or Trustees so that a decision can be made as to how to resolve these concerns.

    Consultation

    Directors and Trustees will consult teachers on a regular basis regarding health and safety matters as they arise, and formally when the health and safety policy is reviewed.

    Emergencies and evacuation

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre is equipped with fire alarms and internal fire doors. The alarms will be tested on a regular basis.

    Escape routes are signed and kept clear at all times.

    Fire blankets and fire extinguishers are placed in a safe but visible place and will be maintained and replaced as required.

    Insurance

    All teachers will be fully insured for the type of yoga they teach. Copies of the teaching certificates and insurance documents will be kept at the Centre as a record. Teachers will be responsible for updating their insurance as required. The Vishuddha Centre may carry out regular checks to ensure that teachers hold a current insurance policy.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will have full insurance, including third-party insurance.

    V. Action and remedies

    Should health or safety issues arise:

    • A logbook of any health and safety issues will be kept at the Vishuddha Centre to allow teachers and other relevant people to log incidents and to record when matters have been dealt with.

    • A First Aid lead, with expertise in first aid, will be nominated among the teaching community so that teachers can consult on health and safety and first aid as needed.

    • Serious health and safety issues should be reported immediately to the Directors.

    VI. References

    This Health and Safety policy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Code of Ethics

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Safeguarding Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Dignity at Work Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Data Protection and Privacy Policy

    VII. Approval and Review

    This policy will be reviewed every 12 months alongside other relevant policies and will be updated as required as part of the Trustee roster of governance.

    This policy was approved by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Trustees. This version of the policy will take effect on 25.05.22 and will be reviewed on 25.05.23.

  • I. Principles

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to foster a community of practice in Oxford, sharing knowledge and teaching, to bring deeper understanding and application of all aspects of yoga and its sister sciences. When engaging with all communities, we embrace diversity by design, inclusion in practice, and equity across our approach.

    All involved in the Vishuddha Yoga Centre community should be able to work in a dignified and respectful workplace that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Such behaviour is contrary to the values of the Vishuddha Centre and the ethics underlying classical yoga. The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to support yoga teachers and other professionals working at the centre to operate in a professional and safe environment.

    II. Purpose

    The Dignity at Work Policy sets out the aims and steps that will be taken by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre to create a supportive, caring, and professional workplace for yoga teachers and people using the Centre, and for other professionals who may work within the centre. The policy aims to lay out the responsibilities to support and sustain a positive, healthy, safe, and respectful working environment. This policy explains:

    • What behaviours are unacceptable

    • The responsibilities of all members of the Vishuddha community to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect

    • How to raise concerns under the Dignity at Work Policy

    III. Scope

    The policy is applicable to all who visit, use, study, or work at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre, or as part of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre outreach activities. The Trustees of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre are responsible for overseeing this policy and ensuring that it is applied and reviewed regularly

    IV. Definitions

    Protected Characteristics

    The Equality Act 2010 identifies nine protected characteristics relating to discrimination which are as follows:

    - age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

    In line with the Equality Act 2010, direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation against someone because of a protected characteristic is illegal. The Equality Act 2010 is far reaching and applies to the workplace, charities and to businesses (as well as other organisations). The Equality Act 2010 prohibits businesses who provide services to the public (for payment or not) from discriminating against, harassing, and victimising those who are protected by it. The Act also places an obligation on such businesses to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

    Direct and Indirect Discrimination

    This policy covers both direct and indirect discrimination.

    Direct discrimination takes place where a person treats another person who has a protected characteristic, less favourably than they treat or would treat others not possessing the protected characteristic. An example of this would be to refuse to teach yoga to a person based on their race or one of the other protected characteristics.

    Indirect discrimination occurs when an organisation has a policy, requirement or practice that appears to apply to all, but its effect in practice disadvantages a particular group of people with a protected characteristic. For example, a policy that only offers appointments by telephone will indirectly discriminate against deaf people as it will be harder for them to make an appointment.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre recognises that direct and indirect discrimination may take many forms and is vigilant to the fact that indirect discrimination is not always obvious and can be unintentional. The Vishuddha Yoga Centre welcomes feedback from teachers, students, anyone who uses/visits the centre, or is associated with it, as to how it can improve its policies, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

    Harassment

    Harassment is behaviour that is considered unwelcome, unwarranted and causes a detrimental effect.

    This policy covers both direct harassment – behaviour that an individual finds offensive or causes them harm and that is primarily directed towards them; and indirect harassment – behaviour that an individual finds offensive or causes harm, even though not directed at them.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre recognises that harassment may take many forms and may include:

    • Unnecessary and unwanted physical contact

    • Verbal comments such as sexist, racist, and homophobic comments or innuendo, derogatory remarks, inappropriate remarks, or language

    • Unwanted non-verbal conduct including sexually suggestive gestures, staring, and leering

    • Unwanted sexual attention or advances

    • Unfair treatment or exclusion based on a protected characteristic

    In terms of yoga teaching, this may take place in a teaching environment, and may be perpetrated by teacher or students. Harassment can include jokes and banter.

    Harassment is normally characterised by more than one incident of unacceptable behaviour, particularly if it reoccurs, once it has been made clear by the victim that they consider it offensive. However, one incident may constitute harassment, if it is sufficiently serious.

    Victimisation

    Victimisation is when someone is treated badly or is disadvantaged because they complain about discrimination or harassment, or because they help someone who has been the victim of discrimination or harassment. The Equality Act 2010 recognises that people may be worried about complaining, and therefore it provides extra legal protection when a complaint is made.

    Bullying

    Bullying is not illegal under The Equality Act 2010, but as noted above, harassment is. Bullying behaviour can easily amount to harassment. Bullying behaviour is prohibited by Vishuddha Yoga Centre and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power which is intended to undermine, humiliate, or denigrate the recipient. It is not based on any one clearly identifiable aspect of the person concerned. It is usually persistent (but does not have to be) and makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable and can undermine self-confidence. Bullying behaviour is largely identified not so much by the actions taken, but rather by the effect that it has on the recipient.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre recognises that bullying may take many forms and may include

    • Persistent and unnecessary criticism

    • Making inappropriate personal comments

    • Withholding information

    • Shouting at or criticising someone in public or private without justification

    • Deliberate isolation by ignoring or excluding a person

    • Spreading malicious rumours

    • Physical bullying

    It is recognised that bullying and harassment may take place in person, in written or electronic communication, or by phone. Whatever form it takes, it is unacceptable, unwarranted, and unwelcome. It is understood that the impact of the behaviour on a victim or complainant determines bullying or harassment. All concerns about the behaviour of others must be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. A complainant will be treated with respect and sincerity.

    V. Responsibilities

    All those who visit, study, use, or work at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre have the responsibility to:

    • Treat everyone at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre with dignity and respect

    • Ensure that their actions are in line with the Equality Act 2010

    • Be vigilant to indirect discrimination which is not always intentional or obvious

    • Be aware of their own conduct, behaviour and the potential impact this could have on other people

    • Understand how some behaviour and remarks could be misconstrued by others

    • Avoid colluding with or ignoring any inappropriate behaviour

    • Know that they do not have to tolerate bullying or harassment

    • Call out unacceptable behaviour

    • Ask for clarification if unsure of the standards or behaviours expected

    VI. Action and remedies

    Should an instance of direct or indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying or other harm be suspected, this should be dealt with immediately.

    Informal pathway

    In some cases, if it is appropriate depending on the nature of the complaint, it may be possible to rectify matters informally. Sometimes people are not aware that their behaviour is unwelcome, and an informal discussion can lead to greater understanding and an agreement that the behaviour will cease or change. An informal resolution should be sought in the first instance, if this is appropriate

    The complainant should seek the support of someone they trust when dealing with the situation. This person should be present when the perpetrator is informed that their behaviour is unwelcome and that they wish it to stop. In many cases the person may be unaware that their conduct is offensive and when told, will easily and willingly adapt their behaviour so that no further offence is caused.

    If the complainant is reticent to raise the issue for whatever reason, or if they have raised the issue and the problem continues, the Safeguarding Director and/or Safeguarding Trustee should be informed. The Safeguarding Trustee and/or Safeguarding Director should gather information about the offending behaviour, including examples, times and dates. With this information the Safeguarding Trustee and/or Safeguarding Director will then make the alleged perpetrator aware of the concern and give them the opportunity to respond to the allegation.

    A meeting can take place to discuss the individual’s concerns, and if appropriate, a mediated conversation between the two individuals can take place.

    The Safeguarding Director and/or Safeguarding Trustee, in consultation with the Trustees will then decide on any action to be taken.

    The situation should be monitored to ensure no further direct or indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying takes place and the complainant is not deliberately excluded or subjected to any other detrimental treatment. The complainant should be aware that they can approach the Safeguarding Focal Point(s) at any time if there is any reoccurrence.

    Notes should be taken by the Safeguarding Trustee and/or Safeguarding Director of any informal actions taken in case these need to be referred to in future. The notes shall be typed, signed and dated, and be kept in a designated file.

    Should a complaint or concern relate to the conduct of the Safeguarding Director’s conduct, the complaint should be raised directly with the Safeguarding Trustee.

    Should a complaint or concern relate to the conduct of the Safeguarding Trustee’s conduct, the complaint should be raised directly with the Safeguarding Director, who will raise the issue with the Trustees, excluding the Safeguarding Trustee.

    Formal pathway

    Where informal resolution proves unsuccessful or is deemed inappropriate or insufficient, the formal resolution process should be followed:

    The complainant should put full details of the complaint in writing and submit it to the Safeguarding Trustee. The complainant should give examples of specific incidents and any actions taken to-date to resolve the situation. It the complaint is against the Safeguarding Trustee then the written complaint can be submitted to any of the Trustees.

    Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged by the Trustees within 5 working days along with an explanation in terms of the next steps to address the complaint/allegation The Trustees will ensure that all records of any formal complaints are detailed, signed, and dated. They will ensure that the complainant is aware of which Trustee is overseeing the complaint and that the complainant is provided with a progress update at regular intervals.

    The complainant will be contacted to see if they understand and agree that the issue is being dealt with as a formal grievance and to ensure that they wish to continue using the formal pathway

    All claims of direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying will be treated seriously. The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that, as far as possible, all steps are taken to maintain confidentiality as far as is consistent with progressing the complaint.

    Other resolution mechanisms

    If a person has been unfairly/illegally discriminated against or suffered from harassment or victimisation, they can make a claim in a court or tribunal. Information in respect of this and alternative routes or resolution are outside the scope of this policy document. Further information is available from:

    • https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

    • Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

    • Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

    • Citizens Advice Bureau

    Support

    It is recognised that people who experience direct and indirect discrimination, harassment victimisation or bullying may experience emotional or psychological reactions to their experiences. Appropriate support will be made available to those concerned.

    VII. References

    This Dignity at Work policy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Code of Ethics

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Safeguarding Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Health and Safety Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Data Protection and Privacy Policy

    VIII. Approval and Review

    This policy will be reviewed every 12 months alongside other relevant policies and will be updated as required as part of the Trustee roster of governance.

    This policy was approved by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Trustees. This version of the policy will take effect on 25.05.22 and will be reviewed on 25.05.23.

    IX. Contact Details

    With reference to point IV, the details of the Safeguarding Trustee and Safeguarding Director are:

    Safeguarding Trustee

    Netia Mayman Telephone: 07477 458 380

    Safeguarding Director

    Jacqueline Mangold. Telephone: 07957 416 641

  • I. Principles

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to foster a community of practice in Oxford, sharing knowledge and teaching, to bring deeper understanding and application of all aspects of yoga and its sister sciences. When engaging with all communities, we embrace diversity by design, inclusion in practice, and equity across our approach.

    Yoga is underpinned by an ethical framework which is a guide to living. An important pillar of this framework is the practice of Ahimsa, whereby the practitioner ensures they do no harm, nor cause injury or violence to themselves and others. This practice of Ahimsa also forms the foundation of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Safeguarding Policy, which recognises that everyone, regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or sexual identity, disability, special needs, or religious belief, has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, bullying, and harassment. It is recognised that harm can manifest subtly as well as evidently in physical and emotional form, and that power inequalities exist within teaching-learning relationships.

    II. Purpose

    This Safeguarding policy lays out the commitments made by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre and informs the Trustees, directors, teachers, and other personnel of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. The policy sets out the definitions, aims, and steps that will be taken by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre to protect people, including children, vulnerable adults and students, from any form of harm that may be caused due to their association with the Vishuddha Yoga Centre.

    This policy sets out an explicit set of guidelines for safe and dignified behaviour that are the shared responsibility of all members of the Vishuddha Yoga Community. It aims to:

    • Establish a positive environment that focuses on safety and the prevention of harm

    • Create a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment

    • Protect teachers, students, and everybody associated with the Vishuddha Yoga Centre

    • Provide an effective pathway to remedies where harm has been experienced

    • Provide support and a response as soon as a problem emerges

    • Provide information on how this policy will be regularly reviewed and updated

    III. Scope

    This policy addresses any behaviour or act that involves one person using their power or influence over another person. It applies to all Vishuddha Yoga Centre Trustees, directors, teachers, practitioners, and students and all others associated with the Centre. It also includes other people who may work at the Centre on a short-term or temporary basis, for example builders or gardeners.

    The Trustees of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre are responsible for overseeing this policy and ensuring that it is applied.

    IV. Definitions

    Safeguarding can be defined as protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of both children and adults, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. Harmful behaviours include those that may compromise dignity, make people feel unsafe, or unable to teach or learn. It includes harassment, humiliation, bullying, coercion, breaching of physical boundaries, inappropriate touching, inappropriate physical proximity, as well as more easily recognised behaviours such as physical or sexual assault.

    In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are defined as all those under 18 years of age.

    Adults at risk, also sometimes referred to as vulnerable adults, include a person who is, or may be, in need of care by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; those who may be unable to take care of themselves or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation; those who due to their gender, mental or physical health, age, disability, ethnicity, religious identify, sexual orientation, economic or social status, or as a result of disasters and conflict, are deemed to be at risk.

    V. Prevention and Responsibilities

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre approach to safeguarding is centred around prevention and quick response, aiming to prevent harm and abuse from occurring, and being able to respond quickly and thoroughly when it does happen. We will learn from experience and ensure that good practice continually informs our policy and practice.

    All policies related to Safeguarding appear on the Vishuddha Yoga Centre website and are physically displayed where students, teachers and other associates can see them easily.

    We aim to ensure that students and teachers know who to go to if they feel their dignity has been compromised or if they feel unsafe in any way. The members of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre community should feel confident that they will be listened to and that their concerns will be taken seriously.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre takes the following steps to prevent harm:

    1. Safe culture: The Vishuddha Yoga Centre aims to build a community governed by the classical yogic principles of ethical behaviour, the Yamas, or moral restraints. These ethical guidelines teach us to behave and relate to our surroundings and those within it without causing harm or damage.

    2. Safe people: All teachers at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will have a recognised training qualification, be fully insured and have basic first aid training, as a minimum. Opportunities will be provided for ongoing professional development. All teachers, Trustees, directors, and other people working at the Centre will understand their responsibilities for safeguarding and will know the associated policies, including the Dignity at Work policy and Health and Safety policy.

    3. Safe teaching: Teachers will only teach within the limits of their qualifications. As much as possible, teachers will understand the different needs of their students to ensure that what is being taught is safe for everybody. Hands on adjustments will be agreed in advance with the students.

    4. Safe communications: The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will abide by the Data Protection laws as outlined in the Data Protection and Privacy policy. Clear systems on how to report concerns as soon as they are identified or suspected are in place. Information policies and good practice will be shared with all those who work at the Centre. We commit to respectfully listening to any individuals who want to raise a concern or make a complaint.

    5. Safe response: Any allegations related to safeguarding will be taken extremely seriously and as soon as issues have been identified. We will ensure that concerns will be thoroughly investigated and reported to the relevant authorities if required. We will strive to learn and identify which areas could be improved. We will welcome feedback.

    6. Safe governance: Our Trustees and directors will govern based on our values and will promote an enabling environment based on transparency, clarity, integrity, and accountability. The Trustees will ensure that our Safeguarding policies and practice comply with national standards in relation to safeguarding.

    Child Protection

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre does not work directly with children. Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult when on the premises of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre. In addition, we will ensure that all teachers and others associated with the centre should:

    • Be aware of situations which may present risk or harm to children and plan and organise to minimise risk

    • Be visible and transparent when interacting with children

    • Ask parents or guardians of children to always accompany them

    • Work in partnership with the parents, carers, or other professionals to ensure the protection of young children

    • Avoid taking actions that could be misinterpreted by a third party.

    Protection of adults at risk

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that any adults at risk are treated with the utmost respect, regardless of their situation. Where necessary, vulnerable adults should be accompanied by a carer or responsible adult. The Vishuddha Centre will seek advice and support from organisations and individuals more experienced in dealing with the needs of adults at risk, should this be required.

    Board of Trustees

    The Board of Trustees and Directors have a duty of care to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to prevent harm or abuse from taking place, and to appropriately manage any concerns. They have a responsibility to ensure that all issues that arise are reported in line with best practice.

    A Safeguarding Trustee will be appointed each year to provide subject matter expertise. This person will have delegated responsibility on behalf of the Board for ensuring that the Vishuddha Yoga Centre maintains effective safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices. The Safeguarding Trustee will be a person to whom complaints or concerns may be raised.

    The Board of Trustees also have responsibility for reporting to the Charity Commission if required. An issue will be reportable to the Charity Commission if it results in, or risks, significant damage or harm to the Vishuddha Yoga Centre, the teachers, or the students. As well as reporting to the Commission, depending on the incident, there may also be a requirement to notify the police.

    Directors

    The directors of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that the building is safe and well maintained and provides a safe and enabling environment for yoga and its sister sciences.

    The directors will be responsible for overseeing the vetting of teachers who wish to teach at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre, ensuring that they have the appropriate qualifications, first aid training and insurance. Where needed, references may also be sought.

    The directors will be responsible for updating teachers on any changes to policy, including changes to pay, booking systems, teaching hours or other information essential to ensuring good communication and a safe and secure working environment.

    A director will serve as a Safeguarding Director along with the Safeguarding Trustee, and will ensure that effective safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices are implemented and maintained. The Safeguarding Director Focal Point will also be a person to whom complaints or concerns may be raised.

    Teachers

    Teachers at the Vishuddha Yoga Centre will be responsible for creating a safe working environment and being responsible to act on concerns or disclosures relating to sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation.

    All teachers have a responsibility to act with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of every person, specifically children, adults at risk, or others considered vulnerable. All teachers should be vigilant, be prepared to take action, and understand what to do in the event there is a concern to raise. Teachers should always maintain their professional behaviour as a teacher, even outside of teaching classes. The following should also be implemented:

    • All teachers should be made aware of the policies and expectations. Teachers should be briefed on the Safeguarding policy and notified of any updates or changes to the policy.

    • Teachers will associate with students only in a professional context. Where teaching takes place in another environment outside of the Vishuddha Yoga Centre, the same principles of professional conduct will apply.

    • Teachers will notify students of their intention to provide hands-on adjustments or assistance and provide students with the opportunity to opt out without difficulty, embarrassment, or being singled out.

    • Teachers will discuss medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs with students in private. Modified asana should be provided as appropriate to the students’ needs.

    • Teachers will take steps to understand some of the culturally specific aspects of yoga history, language, and philosophy, and consider the way in which these are presented to students from a range of cultures to ensure that no-one is made to feel uncomfortable, marginalised or excluded.

    • Teachers will be careful to define the limits of their role and training, and not provide advice or teaching beyond the remit of their employment or qualifications.

    VI. Action and remedies

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Policy on Dignity at Work sets out clear pathways of actions for reporting informally or formally. These same pathways apply to this Safeguarding Policy.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that complaints are taken seriously, are investigated, and dealt with promptly, assertively, and decisively. While the timeframe for investigation and resolution may vary depending on the incident, the Safeguarding Director and Safeguarding Trustee will respond to the complainant as soon as possible and no longer than five working days after receiving notification of the complaint and confirm who will be overseeing the complaint. If possible, all complaints should be dealt with promptly, and resolved within three weeks of a complaint being made. However, it is acknowledged that more complex cases may take a longer time to investigate and resolve. If a longer timescale is anticipated, the person making the complaint will be informed of this and updated as to how their complaint in progressing and what the timescales are.

    The Vishuddha Yoga Centre will ensure that, as far as possible, all steps are taken to maintain confidentiality as far as is consistent with progressing the complaint.

    Should a complaint or concern relate to the conduct of the Safeguarding Director’s conduct, the complaint should be raised directly with the Safeguarding Trustee.

    Should a complaint or concern relate to the conduct of the Safeguarding Trustee’s conduct, the complaint should be raised directly with the Safeguarding Director, who will raise the issue with the Trustees, excluding the Safeguarding Trustee.

    Support

    It is recognised that people involved in harassment, bullying or other safeguarding issues may experience emotional or psychological reactions to their experiences. Appropriate support will be made available to those concerned as necessary.

    VII. Safeguarding leads

    Safeguarding Director: Jacqueline Mangold, 07957 416641

    Safeguarding Trustee: Netia Mayman, 07477 458380

    VIII. References

    This Safeguarding policy should be read in conjunction with the following documents:

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Code of Ethics

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Dignity at Work Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Health and Safety Policy

    • The Vishuddha Yoga Centre Data Protection and Privacy Policy

    VIIII. Approval and Review

    This policy will be reviewed every 12 months alongside other relevant policies and will be updated as required as part of the Trustee roster of governance.

    This policy was approved by the Vishuddha Yoga Centre Trustees. This version of the policy will take effect on 25.05.22 and will be reviewed on 25.05.23.