Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose and Scope
Antei-ji Zen Temple is committed to providing a safe environment for all who participate in its activities. This Safeguarding Policy sets out how Antei-ji seeks to protect children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or undue influence.
This policy applies to all teachers, monastics, trainees, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of Antei-ji, whether in person, online, or in one-to-one settings such as dokusan, spiritual counselling, retreats, or Kaihōgyō-related activities.
This policy should be read alongside Antei-ji’s Code of Ethics.
2. Definitions
Child/Young Person: Any person under the age of 18.
Adult At Risk: An adult who, due to mental or physical health, age, bereavement, trauma, dependency, or significant life transition, may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Safeguarding: The responsibility to protect individuals from abuse, neglect, harm, or misuse of power, and to respond appropriately when concerns arise.
3. Underlying Principles
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but those in teaching or leadership roles carry a greater duty of care.
Zen practice involves deep vulnerability; this increases, rather than reduces, safeguarding responsibilities.
Power imbalances are inherent in teacher–student relationships and must be acknowledged and actively managed.
The wellbeing of individuals takes priority over institutional reputation, tradition, or hierarchy.
4. Code of Conduct and
Boundaries
All teachers and those in positions of responsibility must:
Act in accordance with Antei-ji’s Code of Ethics at all times.
Maintain clear and appropriate boundaries, particularly in one-to-one relationships.
Avoid behaviour that could reasonably be interpreted as coercive, manipulative, exploitative, or emotionally dependent.
Never engage in sexual or romantic relationships with students.
Avoid unnecessary physical contact; where contact is appropriate, it must be respectful and consensual.
Refrain from giving counselling, psychological, or medical advice beyond their competence or role.
5. Dokusan Interview
Dokusan, the one to one private interviews between teacher and student are a traditional element of Zen training. When a child, young person or adult at risk participates :
The Dokusan room door must remain unlocked at all times.
The room must feature a clear window.
A second adult (an experienced practitioner) must be present in the immediate hallway for the duration of the interview.
Absolute physical boundaries must be maintained.
6. Recognising Safeguarding
Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:
Disclosure or suspicion of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse
Signs of coercion, undue influence, or dependency
Self-harm, suicidal ideation, or threats of violence
Neglect or inability to care for oneself
Boundary violations by teachers, leaders, or other sangha members
Concerns may arise suddenly or gradually and should always be taken seriously.
7. Responding to
Safeguarding Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises:
Listen carefully and take the concern seriously.
Do not promise confidentiality beyond what the law allows.
Record the concern factually and promptly, noting dates, times, and what was said or observed.
Share the concern with the designated safeguarding lead or appropriate sangha leadership as soon as possible.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services without delay.
Where required by law, concerns will be reported to appropriate statutory authorities.
The priority is always the safety and wellbeing of the individual concerned.
8. Confidentiality and
Information Sharing
Information related to safeguarding will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Confidentiality does not apply where:
A child, young person or adult is at risk is at risk of harm.
There is a credible risk of serious harm to the individual or others.
Disclosure is required by law.
9. Designated
Safeguarding Lead
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Antei-ji Zen Temple is:
Mark Hokashi Johnston, a long term, and highly respected member of the sangha. He will handle all concerns in a very caring and thoughtful manner.
Hokashi can be contacted at markjohnston1983@hotmail.co.uk
He is responsible for:
Receiving safeguarding concerns
Maintaining appropriate records
Liaising with statutory authorities when required
Ensuring safeguarding practices remain under review
All teachers and leaders are responsible for familiarising themselves with this policy and acting in accordance with it.
10. Complaints and
Whistleblowing
Concerns about safeguarding, ethical misconduct, or misuse of authority may be raised without fear of reprisal.
Where concerns cannot be raised directly with the person involved, they should be raised with the DSL.
Antei-ji will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith.
11. Review and
Accountability
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annualy to ensure it remains appropriate, effective, and compliant with UK safeguarding expectations.
Safeguarding is understood as an expression of care, responsibility, and integrity within Zen practice.