About Us

THE BRITISH SIKH CONSULTATIVE FORUM
Conceived in 2001 and formed in 2002

The idea of the British Sikh Consultative Forum was conceived when the Sikhs were engaged in discussing the issue of the kirpan with the Home Office in 2001. That meeting with the Home Office was called by the Sikh Human Rights Group. Both the Government and the Sikhs felt that there was a need for a body that would consult with Sikhs and negotiate or advise the Government on its policies that concern Sikhs or laws that affect Sikhs.

It was felt that Sikhs do not respond well to hierarchical structures. Consequently, the way forward was to establish a Forum with an administrative executive. Each member of the BSCF is autonomous. The Forum does not have any jurisdiction over any of its members. And the Forum cannot impose any decisions upon its members.

The forum is a place for discussing and deliberating on issues with the aid of expertise from relevant experts, the experience of institutions and the knowledge of its members. This assists in coming to an informed decision by the members.

The BSCF then tries to develop consensus. If there are different views, they are expressed as such. These are then discussed with the Government so that every institution and group’s view is taken on board before a policy is made.

The British Sikh Consultative Forum was formally established in 2002 after a number of consultations. It is represented on the Government’s Faith Communities Consultative Council which was originally base in the Home Office and subsequently at the Department of Communities and Local Government. It has good working relations with various Government bodies. It has been instrumental in a number of decisions that concern the Sikhs. Some are highlighted in the next page. Every year it has held a Vaisakhi function at the Houses of Commons.