The purpose of the Independent Review of Prevent is to
review the government strategy for supporting people
vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
The Terms of
Reference reflect revisions to the previous Terms of
Reference published in September 2019 with some important
additions, amendments and clarifications.
These changes reflect feedback and comments on the previous
Terms of Reference and include new wording on considering
the past as well as the present, and the impact of Prevent
as well as its delivery.
The Reviewer will be able to consider criticisms and
complaints of the current approach and how best to improve
the UK’s strategy to support people vulnerable to being
drawn into terrorism.
William Shawcross, Independent Reviewer of Prevent, said:
These Terms of Reference will enable me to lead a
collaborative and evidence-based examination of the
Prevent programme to help ensure we have a robust and
effective strategy to protect vulnerable people from
being drawn into terrorism. I am grateful to those who
commented on the previous terms of reference. Those views
are reflected in these new Terms of Reference.
I want to find out whether there are any parts of the
Prevent strategy that need particular focus or change,
and I want to ensure this Review is both broad and
non-partisan and engages a wide range of opinion. I look
forward to assessing how Prevent works, what impact it
has, and what can be done better - or differently - to
safeguard individuals from all forms of terrorist
influence. I look forward to hearing from many voices,
particularly those who have had experience of Prevent in
practice.
The Independent Reviewer is keen to hear from people with a
range of viewpoints and experiences, including those of
both critics and supporters of Prevent. If you would like
to get in touch with the Review, please contact enquiries@preventreview.independent.gov.uk.
We are developing plans for evidence gathering, including
engagement with experts, practitioners and community
groups. The Review’s ‘ways of working’, or methodology,
will be published separately, and more details on
engagement will be announced following the forthcoming
pre-election period.
The final report, including any recommendations for the
Review, will be submitted to the Home Secretary by 30
September 2021. The Home Office will respond to each
recommendation and lay the report and government response
in Parliament by 31 December 2021.
