Terms of Reference (Public Document)
Introduction
This investigation has been prompted by allegations of rape and serious sexual abuse at a Gurdwara in Derby. Gurdwaras are not just places of worship; instead, they are central to Sikh life and have an open-door policy. This means all aspects of safeguarding are of paramount importance. The Sikh faith has zero tolerance for any abuse; this is made clear in doctrine, history and scripture.
This investigation aims to build hope for victims and restore trust in Sikh Faith institutions through its findings and/or recommendations. This investigation is limited to the alleged incident(s) at ‘Derby Gurdwara’.
Objectives and Scope
To review Sikh institutional responses on alleged sexual abuse at a ‘Derby Gurdwara,’ this investigation will work:
– To confirm the incidents of abuse alleged at a ‘Derby Gurdwara’ on social media;
– To confirm whether there was an inappropriate institutional response by Sikh Organisations in the Derby Case; to consider the extent of the failure of Sikh Organisations in managing the allegation(s) of abuse appropriately; to consider the extent to which those failings have since been addressed; to identify further action needed to address any failings identified.
– To consider the role of Sikh institutions in supporting the victim of abuse in the Derby case; to consider the extent of the failure of institutes in supporting the victim appropriately; to identify further action needed to address any failings identified.
– To assess how Sikh Organisations dealt with the alleged perpetrators of the Derby Case; the role of authorities in responding to the incident; have any aims of punishment (deterrence, protection, reformation, retribution, reparation, vindication) been met; to review the outcomes on the balance of Sikh Teachings (Gurmat).
– To make a broad assessment of the safeguarding culture in the Sikh organisations that have come into contact with the victim or alleged perpetrator(s) in the Derby case.
– To consider the role of other organisations (statutory and non-statutory ) in responding to the allegation; to assess the level of support provided to the victim; to identify further action needed to address any failings identified.
– To publish and share a report of the process and findings of the investigation publicly; to make recommendations; to make public any obstacles to the investigation and list any parties that refused to engage or co-operate with the investigation.
Timeframes
To publish a report by October 2021
Investigator: Sukhjeevan Singh (Head of Operations – SikhGuarding)
Declaration of Conflicts of Interests
1. My former role as an office-bearer in the Sikh Council UK, which is listed as an institution that came into contact with the victim.
2. My current role as a non-executive advisor to Sikh Council, which is listed as an institution that came into contact with the victim.
3. My current role as a Sikh Preacher (Kathavachak/Giani) that works in Gurdwaras in the UK and abroad – the alleged incident took place in a Gurdwara, and the primary institutional response would come from the Gurdwara Management Committee that may have commissioned my services in the past or may do so in the future.
Managing/Removing Conflicts of Interest
To manage the above conflicts, I will:
– For the duration of the investigation remove myself from any issues, discussion or activity relating to this case or any other safeguarding matters in SCUK.
– refuse any payments/reimbursements if the Gurdwara where the alleged incident took place was to invite me for katha (preaching) in the future.
Principles
– Any allegation(s) of abuse received by the investigation will be referred to the Police and other appropriate services/authorities.
– All personal and sensitive information will be appropriately protected; and will be made available only to those who need to see it.
– It is not part of the investigation’s function to determine the civil or criminal liability of named individuals or organisations
– However, this should not inhibit the investigations from reaching findings of fact relevant to its terms of reference and publicising these findings.
Request for Information/Enquries
Please send any relevant information or send enquiries to info@sikhguarding.co.uk
