Preamble, Scope and Coverage

 

ISABS ethics framework is as the title suggests a framework or a set of guidelines to safeguard the integrity of professional members and therefore of participants of ISABS programs. It is not a rigid or absolute set of rules but an ongoing process of search and review emerging out of our values and our accumulating experience. We would like to emphasize that this process is never "completed" and that it is one of constant dialoguing, self search and meaning making simultaneously at the level of the individual and the institution.

 

We are also aware that the gap/ discrepancy between what "is" and what is "ideal" exists. To that end, the ethics framework is a statement not just of where we would like to reach but of belief in the process of institution building that this gap will never close, that what we define collectively as ideal at any one stage is not static but also evolving, and that is the

strength of the institution.

 

At the same time, almost paradoxically, to achieve common tasks, promote professionalism and excellence, we need to have common values, and design structures and processes to contribute to these. The framework of ethics would be a baseline document to arrive at greater clarity on the above.

 

Understanding and internalising the spirit of this framework is perhaps most important because only then will it translate in living ways into structures, systems, and processes in our programs and services, professional development and our vision for the future.

 

A. Meeting Program Objectives

Ethics Statement#1

Professional Members are aware of the objectives of the programme and have common agreement about the broad design of the programme.

 

Professional Members make reasonable effort to determine whether the programme has accomplished its intended objectives and has not had undesired consequences for participants.

 

Ethics Statement #2

 

When describing a program to prospective participants, professional members will candidly explain its goals, risks, limitations and anticipated outcomes, consistent with published descriptions of that particular program.

 

When implementing a program, professional members will faithfully adhere to the description of the program as advertised.  Professional members will not knowingly deviate from the published program description without both a clearly defined rationale based on the learning goals of the participants and the informed consent of the participants to any proposed change.

 

B. Verifying the Impact of Programs

Ethics Statement #3

Professional members will make all reasonable efforts to determine whether their programs have accomplished their announced goals, and to determine whether their programs have had unintended or undesired consequences for participants.

 

Professional members will do whatever is professionally possible and ethically appropriate to remedy the effects of any undesired consequences, and will not attempt to cover up any undesired consequences of their programs.

 

Professional Members will actively solicit and respond with an open mind to feedback regarding their work; and seriously examine program designs and their own professional skills for ways to improve.

 

C. Managing Role Boundaries

Ethic Statement #4

Professional members are sensitive to possibilities and data that the professional or personal relationship that they as facilitator have with a participant outside of the lab/programme does not affect the nature of work inside the lab/programme. As far as possible, facilitators avoid working in labs where they have close personal/professional relationship with any participant.

 

D. Avoiding Abuse of Professional Role

Ethic Statement #5

Professional Members are aware that their role in the lab is to work on programme objectives and not to satisfy their own needs. Professional Members are expected to be aware of their own needs and use spaces such as clinicing sessions or peer meetings to resolve their needs and dilemmas.

 

Ethic Statement #6

 

Professional Members keep in mind the theoretical base for the possible consequences of their interventions especially when introducing innovations, or experimenting with new approaches. They use clinicing and staff meetings to plan as well as review the impact and consequences of such interventions.

 

Ethic Statement#7

 

The role played by Professional Members (for e.g. As facilitator, mentor, regional and national institutional roles) are recognised as powerful roles providing them with an unusual opportunity to exercise power for the purpose of assisting others to grow and learn about themselves. Professional Members are expected to be constantly vigilant that this power is used at all times to promote the growth and enhance the dignity of the participants.

 

Ethic Statement #8

 

The review of participants Membership in the group, readiness to move on in the Professional Development program is based on agreed upon criteria with abundant caution that this is not coloured by past experiences, past

data, personal biases, or personal gain.

 

Ethic Statement #9

 

Professional Members do not engage in erotic or sexual contact with participants. (The boundaries of the programme may be expanded / defined depending upon whether the Professional Member is a Human Process Lab Facilitator, in a mentor - PDP participant relationship, or a facilitator in an extended Professional Development Programme.

 

E: Personal Autonomy and Confidentiality

Ethic Statement # 10

Professional Members are aware of the pressures on participants to divulge information in-groups and to succumb to group norms that transgress on personal autonomy, personal authority, and autonomy of choices. Professional Members are sensitive to possibilities of the facilitated colluding with group members in such situations.

 

Ethic Statement # 11

 

The individuals' identity and group data is shared in absolute trust and is not divulged outside the group by Professional Members in situations not professionally relevant to the lab or outside. (For e.g. other than clinicing meetings or mentorship meetings, if required).

 

Professional Members communicate to participants the ISABS value in this regard.

 

F. Conflict of Interest

Ethic Statement # 12

ISABS is a voluntary professional society, which is built from investment and commitment of its members. Professional Members are therefore expected to be keenly sensitive to possible conflicts or interest when offering or participating in programs similar or identical to those offered by ISABS.

 

During ISABS programmes / events, Professional Members are aware of their role as ISABS professionals, and do not canvass for programmes / services not related to ISABS.

 

Ethic Statement # 13

 

Professional Members commit themselves to nurture the growth of ISABS and do not detract from ISABS effort to achieve its goals.

 

G. Competence and Continuous Development

Ethic Statement #14

Professional member are expected to know the limits of their competence, and to adhere to those limits when accepting program responsibilities.

 

Ethic Statement #15

 

Professional Members invite and are open to feedback from peers about the programme / lab and their skills.

 

In case of extreme personal stress/trauma Professional Members seek professional help/counseling to assess their own preparedness for facilitator/mentor roles vis-à-vis own needs and priorities.

 

Ethic Statement # 16

 

Professional Members make ongoing efforts to update, renew, review, and rebuild their competencies, be open to learning and alive to new life experience theoretical, personal, and professional.

 

ISABS as an institution continually offers opportunities for ongoing personal and professional development review at Regional and National Programs.

 

H. Sensitivity to Diversity Issues

Ethic Statement # 17

Professional Members are sensitive to and bring to awareness, instances whenever there are affronts to the dignity of regional, racial and religious sentiments and discriminations on the basis of gender, class, caste, colour, language etc.

 

I.  Voluntary Participation

Ethic Statement # l 8

Given the nature of its programmes, ISABS makes reasonable efforts to ensure that participants have information about the objectives and methodology of these programmes, the desirability of voluntary participation and that sponsoring organizations are aware of the need for voluntary participation by individuals. ISABS emphasizes this in written

materials like brochures, nomination forms etc.

 

ISABS also emphasises that programmes are meant to be learning experiences and are not intended as substitutes for therapy, psychiatric counseling or personal assessment. ISABS gives reasonable caution about the consequences these programmes can have for people who require psychiatric counseling or have serious health problems.

 

J. Adherence to Law

 

Ethic Statement # 19

 

Professional Members abide by local and state laws that apply to the delivery of ISABS services and use of host facilities. The  Dean of each event is responsible for knowing and communicating applicable regulations (e.g. consuming alcohol, financial obligations, use of hotel services etc.)