Our Policies

FPMT Adopted Policies

As an affiliate of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), Langri Tangpa Centre (LTC) has adopted and implemented all the suggested FPMT policies.

Volunteer Policy

FPMT Australia (FPMTA) recognises the immense contribution made by so many people in serving FPMT centres, projects and services in Australia. The organisation recognises the right of all volunteers to fair and proper terms and conditions of engagement consistent with good employer practice.

Child Protection

FPMTA is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, teachers, Sangha and particularly for children. FPMTA’s policy and procedures aim to reduce the risk of abuse occurring and to ensure that a caring and appropriate response is taken should abuse occur.

Protecting from Abuse

Everyone associated with LTC has 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. This policy outlines how all teachers, students and volunteers work together and act on allegations or suspicions of abuse or inappropriate behaviour and lists contact information for our Designated Protection Persons (DPP).

Disciplinary Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that unacceptable conduct is addressed promptly and appropriately in all FPMT centres, projects and services. It applies to teachers, Sangha, employees, volunteers, residents and members and should be used in accordance with the FPMT Ethical Policy.

Copyright Policy

All materials produced by or on behalf of FPMT is copyright. Permission to reproduce such materials depends on the category into which they fall. It includes copyright and ownership of the teachings, income from publishing, course literature, using published materials and copyright of materials produced at LTC.

Conflicts of Interest

The Board of FPMTA places great importance on making clear all existing or potential conflicts of interest for its directors, and for members of the Executive Committees of all centres, projects and services. All such conflicts of interest shall be declared by the member concerned and documented in the relevant Conflicts of Interest Register.

Ethical Policy

The five lay precepts are the foundation of ethics for all persons while in the course and scope of performing duties, responsibilities or actions for, on behalf of, or related to FPMT.
In addition, there should be no discrimination, harassment or inappropriate relationships. FPMT-registered teachers, interpreters and introductory class leaders are required to observe right speech, confidentiality
and honesty.

OHS Policy

As responsible employers, FPMT centres, projects and services abide by the federal Health and Safety Employment Act 1991 and state legislation to prevent harm to employees, contractors, sub-contractors and volunteers.

Privacy Policy

FPMT, its centres, projects and services will at all times comply with the Privacy Act 1988 [Cwth] and the relevant state legislation including the Information Privacy Act 2009 [Qld]. FPMT, its centres, projects and services will not disclose personal information to anyone other than the individual concerned unless certain strict procedures are adhered to.

Grievance Resolution

FPMT and its affiliated centres, projects and services in Australia are committed to promoting a cooperative, positive, harmonious and open environment and the culture of wisdom through emphasising harmony and family feeling whilst providing appropriate mechanisms to resolve grievances. All students, members and staff have the right to appeal a grievance with another person within any FPMT affiliated centre, project or service, or over a failure to follow due process.

Anti-Harassment

FPMTA is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment where the dignity of every individual is respected. FPMTA recognises that teachers and Sangha, staff, volunteers, members and associates of its centres, projects and services have the right to participate free from sexual intimidation, harassment and discrimination. FPMTA believes that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable. Therefore, FPMTA takes responsibility for establishing procedures
to actively address discrimination
and harassment.

Equal Opportunity

FPMTA promotes the recognition, acceptance and right of all people to be treated with fairness, equity and justice. FPMTA does not condone or tolerate unfair treatment within its community. FPMTA is committed to supporting the principles of equal opportunities in employment, training and promotion. It is our philosophy to ensure there is no discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, ethnicity or national origin, gender, sexual preference, marital status, disability or religion.

Teacher’s Policy

This policy applies to high lamas, geshes, registered FPMT teachers, course facilitators and invited guest speakers. An FPMT-registered teacher is necessarily a graduate of one of the FPMT education programs. Teachers can be registered to teach foundational or in-depth Buddhism to facilitate Living in the Path, grant refuge and vows, or lead long retreats.

Shugden Policy

Respecting the wishes of HH the Dalai Lama, those in service or teaching in FPMT centres and projects do not engage in the practice of Shugden/Dolgyal. Students regularly attending FPMT centres should not practice Shugden. FPMT teachers and key staff should not attend teachings by known Shugden practitioners.

Risk Management

This policy provides a framework to manage organisational risk at an acceptable level, incorporating risk management within all its activities. We are required to have robust and consistent structures, systems and processes in place to manage all risks and to comply with the minimum standards laid down in statute, and recognised standards relevant to operations.

LTC Developed Policies

The LTC Management Committee has spent considerable time ensuring we adopt world best practice policies and procedures. We have developed several policies in response to the changing times and specific to our centre needs.

Credit Card Policy

The use of financial transaction cards, including credit cards, is a major convenience for Langri Tangpa Centre and for its Management Committee and volunteers. The proper management under this policy contributes to easier and more secure accounting of expenses.

Honoraria
and Payments

LTC makes various types of payments and/or provides
non-cash benefits to volunteers (e.g. reimbursements, honoraria, accommodation, food). LTC relies on volunteers and especially those capable of spreading the Buddha’s teachings to students for the prosperity and flourishing of the Dharma. To acknowledge the commitment and service of volunteers to reach this goal, LTC wishes to compensate
valid expenses.

Workplace Health and Safety

This policy outlines LTC’s commitment to Work Health and Safety and the health and well being of its members, volunteers, contractors and visitors. Hazards to health and safety will be removed or, where this is not practicable, they will be managed so as to prevent injury, illness
and dangerous events.

Social Media Policy

This policy outlines how we use social media, who can represent LTC and the best ways to do so. It includes suggestions and guidelines for posting online information about LTC courses and events and the types of external issues we will share or support.