Policy

Code of conduct

A simple set of expectations that helps the Sangha remain a welcoming, safe and kind space for every member, online and in person.

Conduct expected of every member

  • •Speak and act with respect toward every other member, regardless of caste, gender, age, faith, ability or background.
  • •Listen before responding. Disagreement is welcome; personal attacks and ridicule are not.
  • •Treat the Buddha's Dhamma and Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's writings as a shared inheritance, not a tool to claim authority over others.
  • •Honour the confidentiality of meetings: what is shared in pastoral or sangha settings stays there, unless safeguarding requires disclosure.

Online conduct (meetings, chat, forum)

  • •No discriminatory, hateful, threatening or harassing language. This includes caste-based slurs of any kind.
  • •No spamming, promotion of unrelated commercial products, or recruitment for other organisations without committee approval.
  • •Use your real name (or your chosen Sangha name) in meetings. Anonymous trolling is not permitted.
  • •Recordings of any meeting are made only with the explicit consent of participants.

Conduct expected of volunteers & trustees

  • •Act in the best interest of ABGN-UK at all times. Declare conflicts (see our Conflict of Interest Policy).
  • •Do not represent personal political views as ABGN-UK views. ABGN-UK is non-partisan.
  • •Hold any personal data of members in strict confidence (see our Privacy Policy).
  • •Set an example: practice the precepts as best you are able, and be patient with those who are new to the Dhamma.

How breaches are handled

  • •First breach: private conversation with a trustee, with the aim of restoration and learning.
  • •Repeated or serious breach: written warning and, if necessary, suspension from the relevant ABGN-UK activity.
  • •Egregious breach (harassment, discrimination, safeguarding violation, fraud): immediate removal from ABGN-UK and, where appropriate, referral to statutory authorities.
  • •Decisions can be appealed in writing to the chair. The committee will respond within 28 days.

Approved February 2026 · Reviewed annually.