Code of ethics and professional practice

Introduction

The object of the Code of Professional Conduct is to enjoin a general standard of professional conduct upon every member of the New Zealand Feldenkrais® Guild Inc. (Guild)

In keeping with the spirit of the work of Dr Moshe Feldenkrais, it is assumed that members of the Guild will function without the need for external regulation. This Code of Ethics is intended to foster and maintain the highest level of integrity in our practice and representation of the work, and shall be binding on all members of the Guild.

The principles of the Code are those which should be observed by the practitioner in the carrying out of his/her professional activities and, in case of doubt, advice should be sought from the Guild.

The principles of the Code should be considered in conjunction with, but not instead of, the relevant acts and ordinances of New Zealand. Where the provisions of the Code conflict with the laws of New Zealand, the law shall prevail.

The Code will be revised from time to time to meet the impact of modern custom and prevailing conditions of the Feldenkrais profession.

General ethical principles of the Guild

A member of the Guild shall:

  • Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals
  • Help all those who seek his/her professional services without discrimination, fear or favour
  • Give an honest, competent and accountable professional service
  • Recognise the extent of his/her professional expertise and undertake only those activities that are within his/her professional competence
  • Hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to him/her
  • Maintain at all times the highest standard of professional competence and continually update and extend his/her professional knowledge and skill

Responsibilities of the Guild are set out in a separate section at the end of this document.

Ethical principle 1

Respect the right and dignity of ALL individuals

Rights of the student/client
  • Each Guild member shall hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to him/her in the course of his/her professional contact with a student
  • The student has a right to privacy and this shall never be taken for granted. At all times he/she shall be treated with sensitivity and a mindfulness of his/her personal dignity
  • The student has a right to be provided with sufficient information regarding the Feldenkrais Method and the inherent potential and limitations regarding his/her needs
  • The student has a right to expect to benefit from all resources; therefore a member of the Guild must be prepared to refer the student to a more suitably qualified person when appropriate
  • The student has the right to make his/her own decisions regarding his/her level of learning the Feldenkrais Method. This includes the right to:
    • Exercise freedom of choice of practitioner or alternate care. Any request for a second opinion should not be refused, and
    • Choose to cease lessons whenever the student wishes even if further teaching may benefit him/her
  • The student has a right to be protected from exploitation. A commitment of service, not of self-interest, may rightfully be expected from member of the Guild
  • In all matters relating to fees paid for professional services, the student has the right to responsible and honest conduct on the part of members of the Guild
Rights of the Practitioner
  • A member of the Guild has a right to professional independence and autonomy
  • A member has a right to be free from unwarranted attacks on his/her honour, reputation and competency. To be advised of any written complaint of unprofessional conduct against him/her and to be given every reasonable opportunity to defend him/herself
  • A member has the right to refuse service to a student when in his/her opinion the service will not be in the best interest of the recipient
  • In all matters relating to fees paid for professional services, members shall conduct themselves responsibly and honestly

Ethical principle 2

Assist all who seek his/her professional service without discrimination, fear or favour

  • A member of the Guild is obliged in principle to assist all those who seek his/her professional service regardless of gender, race, condition, nationality, creed or politics. If for whatever reason, the member is unable to provide the service he/she will assist wherever possible the attainment of an appropriate service for that person from a colleague or other professional
  • A member of the Guild must always consider the consequences of his/her decision making for the individual and the community
  • A member of the Guild shall respect the customs of his/her student in the performance of his/her professional duties

Ethical principle 3

Give an honest, competent and accountable professional service

  • Each member of the Guild shall be responsible for judicious and reasonable accuracy in the representation of the Feldenkrais Method
  • Until such times as an International Training and Accreditation Board is established, only trainings authorised by the North American, European or Australasian Training and Accreditation Boards will be recognised by the Guild as professional training. Members have the responsibility to clearly indicate that any other extended programme or class in no way constitutes professional training in or authorisation to teach the Feldenkrais Method
  • Members shall be responsible for the protection of the Feldenkrais name and other words associated with the practice of the Feldenkrais Method.
  • A member teaching the Method has a responsibility for clearly informing the student that he/she is not receiving training in Functional Integration®, Awareness Through Movement® or the Feldenkrais Method®
  • The Feldenkrais Method is a learning model and should be represented as such
  • A member, when using advertising or any other form of publicity to represent his/her professional abilities, shall do so accurately with reference to the Guidelines of the use of Service Marks, and in keeping with the fundamental principles of the Feldenkrais Method
  • The Guild elective office or committee assignment shall not be used for individual business promotion or advantage over another member of the Guild
  • Members shall not mention of holding Guild elective office or committee assignment in advertising
  • Personal and professional qualifications shall be represented accurately

Ethical principle 4

Recognise the extent and limitation of his/her professional expertise

A member of the Guild shall recognise the extent and limitations of his/her professional expertise and consult with or refer to other colleagues or professionals where appropriate

Ethical principle 5

Hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to him/her

  • Information about a student shall not be communicated to another person without prior consent of that student or his/her legal agent
  • Information may be given if authorised by an appropriate legal authority or if necessary to protect the welfare of an individual or the community
  • Members must seek to provide an environment conducive to ensuring privacy in his/her lessons
  • Computer and other records shall be protected in such a way that unauthorised personnel cannot gain access to them

Ethical principle 6

Maintain at all times the highest standard of professional competence and continually update and extend his/her professional knowledge and skill

Ethical principle 7

Contribute to the planning and development of services which enable individuals within the community to achieve optimum health

Responsibilities of the Guild
  • The Guild shall ensure that its dealings with organisations, both internal and external to the profession, are complete and truthful and based on factual information
  • The Guild shall actively promote the Feldenkrais Method to the public
  • The Guild shall manage the resources entrusted to it effectively, efficiently and accountably
  • The Guild shall establish standards of professional practice
  • The Guild shall give support to members through sharing of information, education, organisation and policy development and through it activities, programmes and forward planning
  • The Guild shall be responsible for ongoing education programmes, within the profession and provide opportunities for its members to increase their professional skills in the Method
  • The Guild shall be accountable to its members
  • The Guild shall be accountable to the community

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