Should Gurdwaras ensure employee's undergo CRB/DBS checks?

What does the Sangat want?

Even if we have not heard about unwanted incidents taking place in our Gurdwaras, we all want to ensure that our gurdwaras are safe and friendly for all. This survey has been created to collect the requirements of you, the Sangat.

A DBS check may be needed for: certain jobs or voluntary work, eg working with children or in healthcare.

To find out more click here: https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview

Question Title

* 1. Yes

It is required by the following legal reasoning. The DBS system only applies to those jobs or positions that are exempt from the provision of the Rehabilitation of the Offenders Act. First on the list of exemptions are “those working with children and other vulnerable groups, such as teachers and social workers.” The majority of the congregation is made up of elderly and vulnerable people and most gurdwaras have weekend punjabi schools, kirtan classes etc, so it is clear that those who take up roles in our gurdwaras fall into this category.

It is important to ensure there are not people handling large sums of charity donations who have been convicted of fraud and theft offences.

I would not want something to occur that could have been prevented by a simple DBS check.

Most gurdwaras are registered charities. The Charity Commission requires charities working with vulnerable groups (in this instance by virtue of their age) to utilise DBS checks.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. No

Those who take up roles in our gurdwaras do not have a sufficient link to the youth or vulnerable sections of society to warrant a DSB check.

Such a requirement is pathetic and unnecessary. Our gurdwaras are a place of forgiveness. For example, this means you are happy with a convicted fraudster being the treasurer.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Who should be required to take a DSB take?

Gyanis

Committee Members

Anyone appointed to a position of responsibility, i.e. Punjabi school teachers, Gatka teachers etc.

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. If someone fails a DSB check what should happen?

The Sangat alone should make a collective decision as to what happens.

Depending on the offence, the sangat and committee should make a collective decision as to what happens.

Depending on the offence, the committee should make a collective decision as to what happens.

Depending on the offence, the committee and an independent body should make a collective decision as to what happens.

They should not be allowed at all to participate in any role of responsibility

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. What should happen if someone refuses to take a DSB check or still wishes to participate in taking a role after a failed check?

The Sangat's consent is required before the individual takes up their role.

The Sangat's consent and the Committee's approval is required before the individual takes up their role.

They should not be allowed to take up their role.

Other (please specify)