Common use of Equality and Power Clause in Contracts

Equality and Power. a. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate right to self-determination. Specifically, we treat everyone equitably and sensitively, within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, intellectual and physical capabilities, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation. (See our Equal Opportunities policy.) b. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers recognise that every encounter is a meeting between souls of equal value and that we possess no particular status or special position by virtue of our training and role. c. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers are aware of the social and psychological dynamics that can play out in advisory, teaching and therapeutic relationships, in particular the tendency for the client to give away power and the Companion/Carer to take it. We are dedicated to an ongoing and high awareness of these power dynamics, to never take advantage of them and to be in a process of ongoing reflection and self-management concerning them. d. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers affirm that every encounter is an opportunity for both the service user and for us to improve, develop and learn, thereby facilitating an equal and democratic relationship. e. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers enable their service users to develop mature and adult autonomy, respecting their ability to make decisions and changes in the light of their own beliefs, values and experience. f. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers are responsible for setting and monitoring the boundaries between a working relationship and friendship and for making the boundaries as explicit as possible to the client. g. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers will never take emotional advantage of their clients, flirt with them or engage in any form of sexual intimacy. h. Spiritual Companions and Caregivers should inform themselves of the social, moral and legal expectations of the community in which they work and respect those cultural aspects of their service users, students and colleagues.