Code of conduct against inappropriate behaviour and harassment.

Phuntsok Chö Ling focuses on promoting compassion. Based on this vision, all forms of intimidation, discrimination and / or undesirable behaviour are rejected.

Purpose of the code of conduct 

The purpose of this code of conduct against sexual harassment, violence, bullying and discrimination is to create a safe and pleasant environment during all activities from Phuntsok Chö Ling. This includes meetings and informal meetings. This code of conduct indicates which behaviour is undesired within our organization and cannot be tolerated. In addition, the code of conduct is intended to protect those who are victims of undesirable behaviour or who experience discrimination and wish to file a complaint.

Scope 

This code of conduct applies to:
– all members of Phuntsok Chö Ling;
– the (guest) teachers or lama (s) of Phuntsok Chö Ling; – all persons working on behalf of our foundation;
– all visitors to our centre.

Definitions

Undesirable behaviour: any form of verbal, non-verbal or physical behaviour, which the person who is guilty of it knows or should know that it affects the dignity of persons within the community and / or in which the person to whom the behaviour is addressed considers this to be clearly undesirable. This may become apparent, for example, if it creates an intimidating hostile or demeaning atmosphere towards the person affected.

Sexual Harassment: Any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature is unacceptable. This may become apparent, for example, if such behaviour is intimidating, unwanted, unreasonable or offensive to the person affected by it. Examples: annoying invitations, inappropriate touches or inappropriate display of sexually oriented images.

Different roles are sometimes assumed within the organization, such as that of trainer, board member, facilitator or teacher. Although there should always be equality, in whatever role, there can sometimes be an (alleged / felt) power relationship. In such a relationship, the person who fulfils the role of teacher, coach, trainer, etc., must be extra alert to keeping his / her own behaviour pure and to signals and behaviour from others. A combination of a teacher or trainer role with a personal relationship should be avoided, because cross-border behaviour from the assumed role can occur here while this does not have to be cross-border within the personal relationship. Therefore, in such a circumstance, the ratio of roles from Phuntsok Chö Ling should be changed / terminated.

Violence: any form of psychological pressure, harassment, threat or physical unwanted contact.

Bullying: any form of recurrent behaviour that can express itself in words and / or behaviours, the object or effect of which is to affect a person’s personality, dignity, mental or physical integrity, or a threatening, hostile, insulting humiliating or hurtful environment is created.

Discrimination: making oral or written statements about others because of their race, colour, origin, religion, gender, disability, age, beliefs or sexual orientation; to commit acts against others or to distinguish between individuals because of their race, colour, origin, religion, sex, disability, age, beliefs or sexual orientation.

The complaints procedure
A victim (or witness) of violence, harassment, discrimination or unwanted sexual behaviour can turn to the confidential advisor. When attempts to solve the problem informally are appropriate, this will be considered first, in close consultation between the reporter and the confidential counsellor. If this is considered inadequate or if this appears inadequate after attempts made, for example because the perpetrator does not show a change in behaviour or shows other behaviour that can also be considered undesirable, the victim can follow the procedure below. The confidential counsellor can help the victim (but not take over) on request.

• Drawing up a written and motivated complaint. As soon as the confidential advisor receives the complaint, he / she makes this known to the board of Phuntsok Chö Ling. If the (suspected) perpetrator is a member of the board, he/she will not participate in discussing this matter.
• If necessary, interviews are held with the victims and possible witnesses to clarify the matter for the board and the confidential advisor.
• A confidential report is drawn up on the situation by the board.
• Lama Jigme is notified and he can chose to engage in a conversation with those involved.
• The confidential advisor and / or the board (to be determined in mutual consultation) will hold one or more interviews with the (alleged) perpetrator. This can be periodic if it suits the situation. Depending on the outcome of the interviews, the board can take appropriate measures. In serious cases this may include suspension of all activities related to Phuntsok Chö Ling and / or reporting to the national Reporting Centre for Harassment.

If, for whatever reason, the victim does not wish to turn to the confidential advisor, he / she can directly contact a (chosen) member of the board. Which will then take on the role of the confidential counsellor in the further process. If, after following this process, it has not been possible to achieve sufficient change of behaviour, it may be considered to consult the national counsellor of the Buddhist Union of the Netherlands.