Duty of Care Checklist
As a yoga professional, you have a duty of care to everyone you teach. This means taking reasonable steps to provide a safe, supportive and professional environment while recognising the limits of your role and competence. A duty of care doesn't mean preventing every accident or solving every problem. It means acting responsibly, making informed decisions and taking appropriate action to reduce foreseeable risks. Use this checklist to review your practice and identify areas for improvement.
When to Use This
Use this checklist as part of your ongoing professional practice to help you reflect on your responsibilities and identify any areas for improvement.
It is particularly useful when you first qualify as a yoga teacher, before starting to teach a new class or client group, after completing CPD, or as part of your annual professional review. Regularly reviewing your duty of care helps ensure you continue to provide a safe, ethical and supportive environment for your students while maintaining high professional standards.
Before You Teach
Professional Standards
☐ My membership is current.
☐ My insurance is valid and appropriate for the activities I teach.
☐ I only teach within my qualifications, competence and scope of practice.
☐ I complete regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
☐ I understand when a referral is more appropriate than giving advice.
Class Planning
☐ I have planned the class appropriately for the students attending.
☐ I understand any relevant medical information that students have chosen to share.
☐ I have considered appropriate adaptations.
☐ I avoid making assumptions about students' abilities.
☐ I have an emergency contact procedure.
The Teaching Environment
Safety
☐ The venue is clean and suitable.
☐ Floors are safe.
☐ Equipment is in good condition.
☐ Walkways are clear.
☐ Emergency exits are accessible.
☐ I know the venue's emergency procedures.
☐ Students know what to do in an emergency.
Student Communication
Before Class
☐ Students have been encouraged to disclose injuries or health conditions.
☐ Students understand yoga is voluntary.
☐ Students know they can rest at any time.
☐ Expectations are explained clearly.
During Class
☐ I provide clear instructions.
☐ I encourage students to work within their own limits.
☐ I offer options rather than pressure.
☐ I observe students throughout class.
☐ I adapt teaching where appropriate.
☐ I maintain professional boundaries.
Hands-On Assists
☐ I obtain informed consent before using physical adjustments.
☐ Students know they can decline adjustments.
☐ I use adjustments only where appropriate.
☐ My touch is respectful and proportionate.
☐ I continually monitor student comfort.
Safeguarding
☐ I know my safeguarding responsibilities.
☐ I understand when concerns should be reported.
☐ I know where to seek support.
☐ I recognise the limits of my role.
☐ I keep appropriate records where necessary.
Professional Boundaries
☐ I do not diagnose injuries.
☐ I do not prescribe treatment.
☐ I do not provide counselling unless qualified.
☐ I avoid making medical claims.
☐ I refer students appropriately.
Inclusion
☐ I create an inclusive environment.
☐ I avoid discriminatory language.
☐ I make reasonable adjustments where possible.
☐ Students feel respected regardless of age, ability, gender, ethnicity, religion or background.
After Class
☐ I encourage feedback.
☐ I record incidents where appropriate.
☐ I reflect on what went well.
☐ I identify any improvements.
☐ I complete follow-up actions where necessary.
Duty of Care Self-Assessment
Rate yourself:
|
Statement |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
I understand my duty of care. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
I teach within my competence. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
I understand safeguarding responsibilities. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
I maintain professional boundaries. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
|
I regularly review my teaching practice. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
Reflection
Ask yourself:
- What am I doing well?
- Where could I improve?
- What CPD would strengthen my duty of care?
- Are there any risks I haven't considered?
- Do I need to review my policies or procedures?
A duty of care is not about being perfect, it's about acting reasonably, professionally and in the best interests of your students. By planning carefully, maintaining professional boundaries, staying within your scope of practice and continually reflecting on your teaching, you help create a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive.
Resources
This guidance is for general awareness and professional orientation. It is not a substitute for professional legal, tax, or insurance advice specific to your individual situation.