The recent inquiry report published by the Charity Commission into the governance failings at Sikh Channel Community Broadcasting Company Limited should come as a moment of collective reflection for the Sikh community in the UK. What unfolded at Sikh Channel was not merely a breakdown in paperwork or processes; it was a betrayal of trust — trust placed by the sangat (community) who believed this platform would serve the Panth with integrity, transparency, and seva-driven values.
A Platform with Promise, Brought Down by Poor Governance
Sikh Channel once held a special place in the hearts of British Sikhs. It was more than a TV station; it was a cultural and religious touchstone, broadcasting Sikh history, kirtan, and crucial conversations into our homes. But behind the scenes, this institution was crumbling under the weight of mismanagement, unchecked power, and blatant conflicts of interest.
The Charity Commission’s report paints a troubling picture — one where the charity’s CEO, who was also a trustee, appointed himself to his position without any competitive process and breached the charity’s own governing documents. He set his own salary at £40,000 a year, while family members serving as trustees failed to hold him to account. This is not just bad governance; it’s a textbook case of nepotism and self-interest eclipsing the spirit of Sikh values.
Why This Matters for All Sikh Organisations
This case is not an isolated incident. It exposes deeper, uncomfortable truths about how some Sikh-led charities and community organisations are run. In too many cases, leadership is concentrated in the hands of a single family or a tight-knit group of friends, without proper checks and balances. This leaves little room for transparency, accountability, or independent scrutiny — all critical elements in upholding the trust of the sangat.
When fundraising appeals are made under the banner of Sikh causes, the sangat opens its heart and wallet in good faith. The Charity Commission found that Sikh Channel ran a fundraising campaign in partnership with Sikh Youth UK, but failed to tell donors that a staggering 40% of their donations would be retained by Sikh Channel itself. This kind of opaque financial practice not only breaches charity law — it fundamentally betrays the sangat’s faith.
The Dangers of Charitable Domination
As the Charity Commission’s Head of Compliance rightly said, Sikh Channel’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing one individual to dominate a charity’s operations. This is not just about administrative failure — it’s about the ethical heart of Sikh seva being replaced by personal gain and unchecked control.
The Sikh tradition of seva (selfless service) teaches us that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Our gurdwaras and community projects are built on the principle of collective responsibility — Guru Nanak’s sangat model, where decisions are made in the open, with transparency, and in the best interests of the wider community. Sikh Channel’s failings remind us how far we have drifted from those values in some corners of our institutions.
Time for Reform – Transparency is a Sikh Value
This is a moment for our community to demand better governance in every Sikh charity, gurdwara committee, and community group. It is no longer enough for charities to simply have Sikh names and Sikh causes — they must embody Sikh ethics in how they operate. That means:
- Open and transparent recruitment processes for leadership roles.
- Full financial transparency, with regular public reporting.
- Clear conflict of interest policies, especially when family members are involved.
- An end to unchecked control by individuals or families.
- Regular governance training for trustees so they understand their legal and moral responsibilities.
Restoring Trust in Sikh Institutions
The Sikh Channel story should not end in bitterness or blame alone. It should become a turning point — a trigger for serious self-reflection across our community. Let us honour the trust of the sangat by raising the bar for how we run our charities, platforms, and community spaces. Let us hold each other accountable — not out of suspicion, but out of love for the Panth and the principles of honest seva.
If Sikh Channel taught us anything, it’s that governance is not just a legal obligation — it’s a matter of upholding Sikh values and ethics. Now is the time to build stronger, more transparent, and values-driven institutions that truly reflect the Guru’s teachings. The sangat deserves nothing less.
