Retreat Safeguarding Policy

Please read the information below before completing the Retreat Booking form for your specific event.

Code of Conduct

  • We want our School to be a place of learning where everyone has a chance to flourish. Treating one another with the respect we would each expect is at the heart of this. All are welcome to sample what the School has to offer through the introductory retreats.
  • All tutors continue to be students of philosophy in the School, and they give their time for free. The School of Philosophy and Economic Science aspires to create a safe and positive culture in which deep learning can happen. Our Safeguarding Policy is committed to supporting the well-being of all students and the School.
  • The School is a registered educational charity, regulated by the Charity Commission in England and Wales and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in Scotland.

 Respecting each other and ourselves

  •  Our culture is based on equality and fairness for all. This means we value each other’s differences and contributions and want everyone to feel welcome, happy and safe.
  • As students, we’re encouraged to ask questions, to express ideas and participate in constructive discussion. Gossip or criticism creates a negative energy and is best avoided.
  • If we’re concerned by something someone has said or done, we should raise our concerns respectfully with our tutor or other appropriate person. They then have the responsibility to manage the issue in a timely, effective and proportionate manner.

Respecting relationships

  • The School has always placed great value on the teacher-student relationship. Especially since our tutors are also students, it’s really important that this relationship is underpinned by integrity and mutual respect at all times.
  • It’s also important not to use our participation in the School for our own personal advantage.

Respecting the group

  • We’re encouraged to speak freely about the School and the work we do here. However, trust is essential in any group, so we should not do or say anything that would undermine that trust. 
  • Being ready to start meetings on time and giving each other our full attention and space in conversations are other ways in which we respect our group.

Retreats / Residentials

  • Attendance on Retreats is part of the School’s offering to extend the study of practical philosophy.
  • There are study sessions, periods of reflection and times for putting the practical aspects of study into practice.
  • Retreats require full participation by students and as these residentials are largely self-sufficient; groups of students work together to prepare and serve meals, wash up and care for the building and for other students throughout the period of attendance.

Medical Conditions

  • It is important that students disclose to the School before beginning retreats any background information, disability, special need, condition, or treatment, that might in any way be affected by, or affect the student’s experience of, or engagement with courses.
  • “Condition” includes both physical and psychological conditions. “Treatment” includes any form of medical attention.
  • The School will attempt to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate an identified need, of which you have made the School aware.
  • If once we have read your form and assessed your needs, we feel unable to meet them we will contact your and reserve the right to decline your application for retreat.

Data Protection

  • Personal information provided to the School will be held securely in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

Disclaimer

  • Each student attending a course is responsible for their own well-being; making decisions about attendance and participation is the individual’s free choice.
  • By attending a retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, and fully understand and agree to fulfil your commitments to the School and to your fellow students.

 

Page created: 31 January 2024

Last updated: 20 June 2024