International Mahayana Institute (IMI)
Last updated: November 2021
The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a service organisation affiliated with the FPMT. We have our own Mission Statement and also strive to fulfil the FPMT mission statement, with a particular focus on monasticism. All in positions of authority and leadership in our organisation have signed an acknowledgement to abide by the FPMT Ethical Policy.
The IMI is committed to protecting our members and those we work with from harm and abuse. We ensure that all appointed staff members work together in line with this Protecting from Abuse policy, and act promptly when dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behaviour.
We acknowledge that everyone—children, young people, and adults—can be victims of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
All members of the IMI, and all who interact with us, have a right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.
Protecting from Abuse is Everybody’s Responsibility
We will work together to prevent and minimise the risk of harm or abuse. If we have concerns that someone is at risk of being abused, our first duty is to the individual concerned.Doing Nothing Is Not An Option
If we know or suspect that someone is at risk, we will respond and ensure our concerns are properly recorded.
Each individual responsible for safeguarding is known as a Designated Protection Person (DPP):
If you have any concerns, please contact a Designated Protection Person immediately.
The IMI is committed to respecting the right to confidentiality of everyone in our community. However, sometimes it is necessary to share information to ensure a person’s wellbeing.
Under the IMI’s Confidentiality Policy, staff who are informed that a person may have been abused or be at risk may need to share sensitive information in order to protect the person at risk. These circumstances include:
In any of these cases, the person at risk will be informed that the disclosure may not be kept confidential. Any disclosure will be shared internally or with external agencies as required while respecting the person’s privacy as much as possible.
Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or group of people. Abuse may be single or repeated episodes. It includes not only harming somebody but also neglect of their basic needs or failure to protect them from harm.
The following is an illustrative guide to behaviours that could give rise to concerns:
Physical Abuse
Including hitting, slapping, pushing, restraining, inappropriate uninvited touching, intimate partner violence, and self-harm.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse
Including harassment, blaming, humiliation, threats of harm or abandonment, intimidation, verbal abuse, and coercion.
Financial Abuse
Including illegal or unauthorised use of a person’s property, money, or valuables; pressure regarding wills, property, or inheritance; modern slavery and human trafficking.
Sexual Abuse
Forcing a person to take part in any sexual activity without their informed consent.
Discriminatory Abuse
Including remarks or comments based on age, race, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition or illness; harassment, slurs, or similar treatment; stopping someone from being involved in cultural activity, services, or support networks.
Institutional Abuse
The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service, especially to vulnerable people. This includes failure to ensure necessary safeguards are in place.
Misuse of Spiritual Authority or Power
This can take the form of all the abuses listed above. Spiritual abuse occurs when a position or role is used to coerce or manipulate people into performing behaviours that meet the needs of the abuser rather than those of the individual concerned. It overrides the respect of an autonomous individual’s right to make informed choices regarding their own lives and spiritual practices.
Concerns about or evidence of abuse can come through:
Staff, volunteers, and facility users are entitled to respect and protection from harm and abuse. We recognise that Dharma practice can be a powerful experience that brings underlying issues to the surface. In such events, the teacher or Designated Protection Person may recommend that the participant seek suitable professional support.
The IMI is committed to working in partnership with the FPMT organisation to develop good practice for preventing harm and abuse. This includes adopting FPMT Inc. policies and attending training provided by FPMT Inc.
The IMI will inform the appropriate FPMT contacts of any allegations or concerns regarding abuse about an IMI staff member or member, and actions taken.
All IMI Members in appointed positions are in positions of trust. We recognise the importance of vetting processes to ensure that no one who may pose a risk is put in such a position.
You Must Avoid:
You Should Never (Even in Fun):
Regarding All Your Relationships Within the IMI:
Important: Under no circumstances should any IMI Staff member carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated. A written record should be made and kept in a secure place.
If an allegation is made against an IMI staff member, this must be reported immediately to the Designated Protection Person (unless they are the subject of the allegation) and the Director (unless they are the subject of the allegation).
All allegations must be reported to the appropriate FPMT contacts at the International Office and to the appropriate regional and/or national coordinator.
The IMI is committed to offering care and support, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, to all those who have been affected by abuse. This may include the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. Support may also be needed for the wider community.
Director:
Ven Tendar: director@imisangha.org (DPP)
Office:
office@imisangha.org
Designated Protection Persons:
Board Chair (Designated Protection Person):
Ven Tenzin Legstok: director.imihouse@gmail.com
FPMT Mandated Contacts:
All FPMT Policies and guidelines are available and should be understood and followed.
Thirtyone:eight
thirtyoneeight.org
A UK-based safeguarding charity that advises faith groups and other organisations. They offer a 24-hour advice helpline, training, and other resources.
An Olive Branch
an-olive-branch.org
A USA-based organization that provides services to organisations in conflict after a teacher has been accused of misconduct. They work to strengthen boards and policies to reduce the likelihood of future misconduct.
This policy was last reviewed in April 2021.
Copyright FPMT Inc.
