Code of Conduct

Sarbat organises and takes part in all sorts of events in-person and online. Below are some guidelines for those interested in attending. 

  1. Respect & Inclusivity – Treat all members/attendees with kindness, respect differing views and lifestyles, and ensure no one feels intimidated.

  2. Safe & Supportive Space – Be mindful of those exploring their sexuality or gender identity; do not push anyone beyond their comfort zone.

  3. Zero Tolerance for Threatening Behaviour – Any violent, threatening, or discriminatory behavior will not be accepted.

  4. Confidentiality & Privacy – Respect the confidentiality of all members and do not share information outside the group.

  5. No Drugs or Harassment – Drugs, inappropriate solicitations, or sexually explicit language are not allowed.

  6. Respect Group Values – We welcome all without regard to race, colour, faith, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age. Sarbat is focused on Sikh and LGBT+ issues; while all are welcome, this focus should be respected.

  7. Handling Issues – If conflicts arise, report them to facilitators, who will handle them confidentially. There is a Complaints Policy and Procedure (see below) if you feel the issue hasn’t been handled or cannot be handled by the Event facilitator.

  8. Online Meeting Etiquette – Follow meeting rules (e.g., Video ON unless arranged with facilitator in advance, no recording ) to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

  9. Security & Access – Online events require registration and links (usually password protected) should not be shared with anyone.

  10. Volunteer-Led Community – Sarbat events are run by volunteers; attendees should engage responsibly and show compassion and understanding toward others.

Sarbat Social events are to allow people to meet like-minded individuals in a safe and pleasant environment for socialising and to provide support for one another. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events.

Refreshed : March 2025

Complaints Policy and Procedure

General statement

Our vision is to create awareness, tackle homophobia / biphobia / transphobia and build bridges within and beyond our communities.

As a community of volunteers, we are driven by the following principles:

  1. The concept of Seva or selfless service – i.e. not expecting any material reward for volunteering at Sarbat

  2. Treating others with equality and respect

  3. Acknowledge the five fundamental human qualities which our Gurus extensively advocated – Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love).

  4. Confidentiality and discretion

In instances where you feel we may have fallen short, usually, a word with the person at the point of interaction will suffice should a problem arise.

We also want to know about these occasions so that we can make good the problem and avoid it happening again. If you have a complaint, we would like you to tell us about it.

This is what you should do:

  1. If safe to do so and you feel you can, please do address the issue with the person at the point of interaction. We appreciate this may not be a step we can all take.

  2. If addressing the person directly doesn’t resolve the situation, you can raise the complaint directly to the Designated Person* (Shraddha Kaur) who will try to resolve the issue informally. They can be contacted by emailing them at sarbatsikhs@gmail.com, marking the email for their attention.

  3. If the issue is serious, or you are not satisfied after raising it with the Designated Person, you should make a formal complaint.

  4. Your complaint should be made in writing by email to sarbatsikhs@gmail.com, with the subject heading “Private & Confidential”. The Designated Person will acknowledge it in writing by email (normally within 7 days of receipt). Remember to keep a copy of your email.

  5. The Designated Person shall - in consultation with lead volunteers of Sarbat Sikhs - investigate the complaint.

  6. The Designated Person shall communicate the results of the investigation to you within a reasonable time - normally 42 days.

  7. Where appropriate, Sarbat Sikhs will make a written apology to the complainant, and agree any further action necessary to make good the cause of the complaint.

  8. All formal complaints and the response made to them will be recorded and filed in a secure place.

* If a complaint relates to the Designated Person, read Alternative Designated Person throughout this policy.

Designated Person: Shraddha Kaur

Alternative Designated Person: Kulbir Singh

Date of policy: January 2025