Lone Working Considerations for Yoga Teachers

When to Use this Guide

Use this guide whenever you are teaching yoga without colleagues or staff nearby, whether you’re working in a studio, visiting clients’ homes, teaching outdoors, delivering online sessions, or travelling between venues alone. It’s especially relevant if you are self-employed, run your own classes, or take on private clients. Refer to this guidance when planning new teaching arrangements, reviewing your safety procedures, or whenever you want to ensure you’re taking sensible steps to protect yourself, your clients, and your business while working independently.

Why This Matters

Teaching yoga often means working independently, without the immediate support of colleagues that larger organisations might provide if something goes wrong. Planning ahead helps you stay safe while teaching, respond appropriately to emergencies, protect your professional reputation, and give clients confidence in your professionalism, all while reducing unnecessary risks to yourself and others. Ultimately, lone working is about being prepared, not being worried.

What Counts as Lone Working?

You may be considered a lone worker if you are:

• Teaching one-to-one sessions.
• Hiring a studio on your own.
• Teaching in community venues without other staff present.
• Visiting clients in their homes.
• Teaching outdoors.
• Opening or locking venues alone.
• Travelling between teaching locations.
• Running retreats where you're the only teacher on site.
• Delivering online classes from home.

Before You Teach

Take a few moments to think about your working environment.

Ask yourself:

✓ Do I know exactly where I'm teaching?

✓ Do I know who I'm teaching?

✓ Is someone aware of where I am?

✓ Can I contact someone if I need help?

✓ Do I know the venue's emergency procedures?If any answer is "no", consider what you can do before the class begins.

Share Your Schedule

Whenever possible, let someone know:

• Where you'll be teaching.
• Your start and finish time.
• The venue address.
• When you expect to return home.

If you're travelling to a new location or visiting a private client, consider sending a quick message once you've arrived and again when you've finished.

Keep Communication Available

Always have access to a charged mobile phone where possible.Consider:

• Carrying a portable charger.
• Keeping emergency contacts easily accessible.
• Knowing the venue's address in case emergency services are needed.
• Check mobile signal if teaching outdoors.

Think About the Venue

Before teaching, familiarise yourself with:

• Fire exits.
• Emergency evacuation procedures.
• First aid equipment.
• Toilet facilities.
• Lighting around entrances and car parks.
• Safe parking.

If you're hiring a venue, ask who to contact if something goes wrong.

When Teaching Private Clients

Private sessions can be rewarding but often involve additional considerations.

Good practice includes:

• Collecting client contact details beforehand.
• Using a booking system rather than accepting informal arrangements.
• Confirming the appointment in writing.
• Keeping records of attendance.
• Having clear cancellation and payment policies.

If visiting someone's home:

• Know the address before travelling.
• Tell someone where you're going.
• Trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
• Leave immediately if you feel unsafe.

Trust Your Professional Judgement

If something doesn't feel right, it probably deserves attention.You are never obliged to continue with a session if:

• You feel threatened.
• A client's behaviour becomes inappropriate.
• Someone appears intoxicated.
• The environment feels unsafe.
• Professional boundaries are being crossed.

Ending a session professionally is always preferable to putting yourself at risk.

Managing Professional Boundaries

Clear boundaries also support your safety.

Consider:

• Keeping communication professional.
• Avoiding unnecessary sharing of personal information.
• Using business contact details rather than personal ones where possible.
• Having written policies for bookings and cancellations.
• Meeting new private clients in professional environments where appropriate.

Professional boundaries protect both you and your students.

Carry Basic Emergency Information

You should know:

• The venue address.
• Emergency contact numbers.
• Who to contact at the venue.
• Whether you have first aid equipment available.
• How would emergency services access the location if needed?

Online Teaching

Working alone online presents different considerations.

Think about:

• Using secure meeting links.
• Password-protecting classes where appropriate.
• Knowing who has joined your class.
• Having a way to contact a participant if they disconnect during an emergency.
• Keeping emergency contact information for private clients if appropriate.

If an Incident Happens

If something unexpected occurs:

1. Prioritise immediate safety.
2. Contact emergency services if required.
3. Record what happened as soon as possible.
4. Inform the venue if relevant.
5. Report the incident to your insurer where appropriate.
6. Review whether any procedures could be improved.

Keeping accurate records can be valuable if questions arise later.

Create Your Own Lone Working Checklist

Every teacher works differently, but your checklist might include:

□ Someone knows where I'm teaching.
□ My phone is fully charged.
□ I know the venue address.
□ I know the emergency exits.
□ Emergency contacts are available.
□ Client details have been recorded.
□ My first aid kit is accessible.
□ I have a safe way to travel home.
□ I know whom to contact if something goes wrong.

Review your checklist regularly as your teaching changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a formal lone working policy?

If you're self-employed, there is generally no legal requirement to have a written lone working policy. However, having your own simple safety procedures is considered good professional practice and can help you work more confidently.

Is teaching one-to-one considered lone working?

Often, yes. Although you are with a client, you may still be working without colleagues or immediate support nearby.

Should I avoid teaching private clients at home?

Not necessarily. Many teachers safely teach from home or visit clients. The important thing is to think about your personal safety, maintain professional boundaries, and have sensible procedures in place.

Does lone working affect my insurance?

Insurance is designed to protect you if something unexpected happens, but it doesn't replace sensible risk management. Following good safety practices and keeping appropriate records can help support your professional responsibilities.

Good Practice Reminder

Most yoga teachers will never experience a serious incident while working alone. The aim of lone working guidance isn't to make you anxious; it's to help you feel prepared.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can focus on what matters most: delivering safe, professional and enjoyable yoga experiences for your students.

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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.