February 2012 Bulletin 14 Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Meetings 18th February 2012: Executive Committee and the Board of Jathedars Meetings. these were both held at Sri Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara Sahib, Derby. We are grateful to the management committee and the sewadars for hosting the meeting and their steadfast support to the Council. The Executive Committee welcomed the following new members: Ranjit Singh Seerha Ramgarhia Singh Sabha Derby Gursevak Singh Young Sikhs UK Leeds Jagjit Singh AKJ-UK Derby Parminder Singh Birdi Gursewak Trust Leamington Paramjit Kaur Matharu Sikh Community and Youth Services Nottingham Gurpreet Singh Anand Central Gurdwara London Darshan Singh Gurm Gurdwara Singh Sabha LE Barking Amrik Singh Sohal Gurdwara Singh Sabha Seven Kings Dr Daljit Singh Virk Singh Sabha Gurdwara Derby Jatinder Singh Birdi Gurdwara Sahib Leamington Gurinder Singh Josan Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick Jaspal Singh Bhambra Gursewak Trust Leamington Campaigns/Casework Karra and Kirpan Case: SCUK were contacted about an issue that arose for a young person completing her placement on a ward at a hospital in North Birmingham Sutton Coldfield. Initially the concerns raised by the management of the ward were about the wearing of the Karra while on duty for health and safety reasons in minimising cross contamination. This was overcome as the young person offered to wear a larger karra strapped above her elbow. Not long after this the young person was denied the right to wear a kirpan while on duty. She was asked to leave her placement and return back to University so that they could re-iterate the policy to on her adherence to it she could return to work or be taken off the placement. Young person was advised to provide contact details of the Senior management of the hospital during which we could share the kirpan guidelines with them and work towards a solution. However, this matter was resolved when the young person sought the help of a worker from within HR to help the wards understand the importance of the kirpan. The ward agreed to allow for the kirpan to be worn securely under garments. A meeting has still been requested via the young person to prevent future misunderstandings. Awaiting response Black Country partnership NHS Trust Mental Health Wards Search guidelines: Sikh Council UK was approached by the Black Country partnership NHS Trust, to assist with developing the current search guidelines for predominately those patients who are receiving inpatient care within the acute adult wards. We met with the Acute Violence and Aggression Co-ordinator to establish level of assistance within the current draft policy. We agreed to develop this further and also translate hospital entrance ward signs into Panjabi for non-English speakers to fully understand the importance of wearing kirpan securely under garments when visiting the wards. Sikh Credit Card update: Proposal for a Sikh Credit Card was relayed to Santander via a meeting through banking representatives on behalf of Sikh Council UK, we now awaiting outcome of this proposal Media 8th February 2012 Sangat TV invited Sikh Council representatives for presentation of a cheque for eye charity donated by sangat. Community Safety Sub-Committee At the request of the community, SCUK liaised closely with the police in relation to a racially motivated unprovoked attack on a Sikh while travelling on a bus. As a direct result of the liaison we are pleased to announce the perpetrator was arrested and charged with racially motivated common assault. The police have since acknowledged the need to maintain regular contact with the Sikh community by developing network forums. European and International Affairs Sub-Committee The Sikh Council UK has secured membership of the Fundamental Rights Agency. This required a lengthy and difficult application which has successfully been achieved. There will be an event held in Europe in April 2012 which will be attended by representatives of SCUK In support of the case appeal of Shammy S Puri treatment of Sikhs by the Border Guard Services letters were sent to the Vice President - The Helsinki Foundation POLAND The Sikh Council encourages the appeal of this is case. We align ourselves with the efforts made in protection of human rights. A Letter of similar support was also sent to Wardynski & Partners POLAND .The Helsinki Foundation has confirmed support for the appeal. The Council is in regular contact with Shammy S Puri and is having the Judgement translated so that opinions can be taken on the basis of the appeal. Education Sub-Committee Free school applications have been submitted according to information received by SCUK by: Guru Nanak Academy Smethwick Sikh School Leicester - assisted by the Sikh Council Khalsa Science Academy Leeds - assisted by the Sikh Council Wolverhampton - letter of support provided. Other Cities which have expressed an interest are Coventry and Derby. We wish all the applicant good wishes and look forward to successful outcomes. .