Shiatsu Society

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Complaints procedure

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The Shiatsu Society adheres to its Rules & Regulations stringently.  This document contains the Society's Complaints Procedure within the Code of Conduct and Ethics.  The Society has very clear policies and have a strong Complaints Procedure that has Lay Chairs upon its Ethics Panels.  

Should you be in the unfortunate situation of needing to make a complaint against the Society, or one of its members, then please refer to the Complaints Procedure, part of which is the Code of Conduct and Ethics. Within this document you can find the various Codes and also the Complaints procedures. Click here to view the ‘Rules & Regulations’. See page 9 for the Complaints Procedure.

Click here for a complaints form and procedure.

 

Notes to the Complainant

Making a formal complaint is something which is very rarely done lightly, and although it is generally understood that the person who is the subject of a complaint will be under tremendous pressure, the Shiatsu Society is only too aware that the complainant is under a great deal of stress too.

Evidence collected by the Ethics Sub Committee (from both the Shiatsu Society and from other professional bodies), suggests that the vast majority of complaints occur when communication between the parties involved has broken down.

The Shiatsu Society's procedure aims to try and help both parties re-establish effective communication, or to try and establish mutual understanding of what occurred. This will take place through facilitated mediation. In some cases the Shiatsu Society will recommend a more formal
hearing.

The vast majority of complainants are not looking for retribution. They may be looking for many things, for example to be heard by the person they have complained about, to understand why the events unfolded in the way in which they did, and perhaps simply to be apologised to. Sometimes they are seeking to make sure that mistakes which occurred do not occur again.

Often they are hoping that the complaints process will help them find a more satisfactory conclusion to the problem(s) they have encountered. The Shiatsu Society recommend that you think about what you hope to achieve through the complaints process.

It may be that the complaint will not be upheld, and this is something you need to be prepared for. However, it may be that your courage in bringing this complaint will develop better practice for the individual involved as well as the shiatsu community as a whole, and better protection for other
clients / students. It is only through people speaking out about bad practice that things can change for the better.

Although the complaints procedure is (in comparison to other organisations) very quick, we understand that it may feel as if it is going on for a very long time indeed. At the end of the process, regardless of the outcome, it will not change the experiences you have had. We strongly recommend that you seek support from experienced and understanding people to help you
through this process. One specialist organisation POPAN (the Prevention of Professional Abuse Network) exists to offer support to people in your position - they can also give advice and act as your advocate should you wish. Please understand that the Society understands some of the stresses you are under, and that we aim to treat both parties with dignity and respect, and that confidentiality will be maintained throughout the procedures.

he Shiatsu Society is an independent, national umbrella organisation, composed of and funded by its membership.