Raison d’être
IMISA serves to set the initial ethical standards for South Africa in the fields of mindfulness practices and MBI’s. It is likely that this Code of Ethics will change and evolve over the years as mindfulness and MBI’s gain more recognition.
Vision
To establish an appropriate code of ethics in mutual support, development and conduct of mindfulness practitioners of South Africa.
Definitions
The term ‘MBI’ is used to describe all types of mindfulness-based interventions that take place, both inside and outside the work environment.
Ethical Principal 1: Equality and dignity:
Statement of values:
Mindfulness practitioners are dedicated to cultivating and nourishing awareness in the world and in their own lives. This awareness, called mindfulness, is intrinsic, universal, and transformative.
Mindfulness practitioners respect the dignity of all people, particularly their right to privacy, autonomy and self-determination.
The mindfulness practitioner will:
- Act in a way that demonstrates an understanding and respect for the dignity and diversity of all people.
- Commit to the transformation of South Africa and the promotion of equal opportunities for all.
- Act in such a way as to cause no harm.
Ethical Principal 2: Integrity:
Statement of values:
The mindfulness practitioner is committed to functioning from a position of integrity, professionalism and personal responsibility. As a fundamental principle of ethics, the mindfulness practitioner is accountable for his or her own practice.
The mindfulness practitioner will:
- Act with integrity and conduct themselves in a truthful, honest and clear manner.
- Approach the collegal relationship with personal commitment and respect for all other professions.
- Assume ownership for self learning, self growth and personal practice.
- Never represent the work and views of others as their own.
Ethical Principal 3: Competence
Statement of values:
A mindfulness practitioner operates within the bounds of their competence and takes responsibility for their continued development.
The mindfulness practitioner will:
- Maintain high standards of competence and exercise care in determining how best to serve.
- Ensure that they are adequately educated and skilled in the mindfulness and MBI’s technology that they use to deliver their services.
- Develop and enhance their level of competence by participating in relevant skills exchange and continuing opportunities for professional development.
Ethical Principal 4: Boundary Management
Statement of values:
This code assumes that the mindfulness practitioner will uphold the ethical guidelines as set by the member’s registered with professional bodies by such body.
The mindfulness practitioner will:
- Honour confidentially.
- At all times operate within the limits of their own competence and ethical standards as specified by their own professional body.
- Maintain transparency of communication with other members of the Institute.
- Disclose sensitive information only where explicitly agreed amongst members in a way that is congruent.
- Act within applicable law and not encourage, assist or collude with others engaged in conduct which is dishonest, unlawful, unprofessional or discriminatory.
Ethical Principal 5: Professionalism
Statement of values:
Mindfulness practitioners consciously cultivate an awareness of professionalism and endeavour to assist and support other members of the Institute to do the same.
The mindfulness practitioner will:
- Maintain professionalism and faithfully pursue obligations and agreements made between members.
- Consciously create a mindfulness environment that supports their development.
- Not exploit or manipulate other members in any manner including, but not limited to, financial, sexual or those matters within the professional relationship.
- Demonstrate respect for the variety of different approaches to MBI and other individuals in the profession.
- Not bring any other member of the Institute’s reputation into disrepute through their actions or communications.
- That the members accurately represent the Institutes principles and objectives.
- Where appropriate, the mindfulness practitioner will establish a relationship with a suitably qualified supervisor, who will support their development
- Ensure that any claim of professional competence, qualifications or accreditation is clearly and accurately explained to potential clients and that no false or misleading claims are made or implied in any published material.
