Providing Advice
Providing advice to faith Institutions about safeguarding Issues.
Safeguarding in
Sikh Institutions in the United Kingdom
SikhGuarding is the dedicated specialist advisory organisation for driving and supporting improvements in safeguarding practice throughout faith institutions, including all Gurdwaras in the United Kingdom. Its primary role is coordination, advice, and support in safeguarding all children, young people, and adults at risk in Faith institutions.
Sikh Guarding participates in collaborative safeguarding work with local and national organisations and provide safeguarding training and resources to trustees, management committees, religious workers and anyone who would be in a position of trust or works within faith institutions.
Sikhi Principles
The Sikh faith has a strong emphasis on family life and a culture of openness and inclusivity. Sikhs are governed by the principles of Gurbani (Sikh Scripture), examples of history and lessons from their experiences as a diaspora community.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Sikh Guru underpins our vision:
Sukhi Basai Moro Parivaara. Sevak Sikh Sabhai Karthara.
O Creator, may our (universal) family live happily. This includes all humans, those that serve and all Sikhs.
(Chaupai Sahib, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)
Roles & Services Of Sikh Guarding
Undertaking Quality Assurance
Undertaking quality assurance exercises to ensure compliance with the national safeguarding policies and procedures.
Training and Development
Provide tailored, non-generic safeguarding training and awareness in English and Punjabi.
Identifying Good Safeguarding Practice
Identifying, disseminating, consolidating and celebrating good safeguarding practice in the Sikh Spaces
Developing & Updating Policy and Procedures
Ensuring policies on safeguarding children and adults at risk are kept up to date with good secular practice and are accessible to people at all levels in the Gurdwara.
Safeguarding Liaison/Independent Panel
Being the point of liaison between Gurdwaras and other organisations concerned with safeguarding children and adults at risk and providing an independent panel to scrutinise procedures in the case of disputes.
Victim Support
Providing culturally sensitive support and signposting for victims of abuse in Sikh institutions.
Registered Body for DBS Disclosures
Processing of criminal record checks in England and Wales.
Safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk
If you are worried that a child or adult at risk may be being harmed either by someone in a family or household, or by someone within the Gurdwara you should tell someone as soon as possible.
- If you believe they are in immediate danger please contact the police on 999.
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If you have been hurt by abuse you can talk to your safeguarding coordinator or other agencies such as those listed below.
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:
0808 800 5000
(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child. - Child-line:
0800 1111
(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything. - National Domestic Violence Helpline:
0808 2000 247
(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse. - Samaritans Helpline:
08457 90 90 90
(open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to. - Action on Elder Abuse Helpline:
080 8808 8141
(free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline:
