Judges were impressed with the extent to which the British Army has managed to develop a really meaningful relationship with Southall Gurdwara. As a result of this close relationship February 2007 saw the first Sikh recruit commence Army training with an additional two members of the Sikh community signing up the following month. The ongoing impact has also stretched beyond the Sikh community to enable the Army to attract new recruits from other Asian communities.
Under represented
Although great emphasis has been placed on recruiting from all sectors of UK society, Sikhs with their strong martial tradition and distinguished history of service to the British Crown, are currently under represented. Only 0.05% of Army personnel are Sikhs (51 people). A lack of understanding of what the Army does, and the opportunities available are considered to be the key reasons why recruitment is so low.
Recruitment from this untapped source would enable the Army to rebuild its previously strong ties with the Sikh community, draw upon the talent within and better reflect the society that it represents. Sikhs would also benefit from the career and lifestyle opportunities that the Army has to offer. The aim therefore is to boost Sikh recruitment through positive action.
London's Southall Gurdwara, in Wembley Army Careers Information Office's (ACIO) catchment area, is one of the largest Gurdwaras in UK and 30,000 Sikhs a week pass through its doors.
Promoting career opportunities
In September 2006, during an Army Recruiting Group cultural awareness visit to the Gurdwara, a meeting took place between Colonel Army Recruiting and the Temple Leaders. They agreed on a partnership, which would raise awareness of the British Army and promote the career opportunities therein to young Sikhs.With the overarching principle set at the strategic level, it was now for the recruiters from the Wembley ACIO to establish closer links with the Gurdwara through a working group. The Army's focal point was Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Hughes and he worked closely with Mr Johal, Assistant General Secretary of the Gurdwara.
Regular contact
Since the initial meeting, WO1 Hughes and his team have maintained regular contact with Mr Johal and currently they visit the Gurdwara on a weekly basis. During these visits WO1 Hughes has conducted question and answer sessions with Sikhs from a cross section of the community, briefed them about life in the British Army and provided them with information about the recruiting, selection and training process. A room has been set aside at the Gurdwara in which British Army recruiting literature has been displayed, thus demonstrating the truly joint nature of this venture. The Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where all officer training takes place, has also visited the Gurdwara to talk about opportunities for young Sikhs.
With the overarching principle set at the strategic level, it was now for the recruiters from the Wembley ACIO to establish closer links with the Gurdwara through a working group. The Army's focal point was Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Hughes and he worked closely with Mr Johal, Assistant General Secretary of the Gurdwara.
Regular contact
Since the initial meeting, WO1 Hughes and his team have maintained regular contact with Mr Johal and currently they visit the Gurdwara on a weekly basis. During these visits WO1 Hughes has conducted question and answer sessions with Sikhs from a cross section of the community, briefed them about life in the British Army and provided them with information about the recruiting, selection and training process. A room has been set aside at the Gurdwara in which British Army recruiting literature has been displayed, thus demonstrating the truly joint nature of this venture. The Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where all officer training takes place, has also visited the Gurdwara to talk about opportunities for young Sikhs.
