Standards and Compliance Unit launched to oversee Prevent

The Commission for Countering Extremism launched the Standards and Compliance Unit (StaCU) today (28 February).

StaCU, the creation of which was recommended by Sir William Shawcross in the Independent Review of Prevent, will ensure that Prevent is being delivered properly within the direction set by ministers.

StaCU will review any complaints, updating the complainant of the outcome, and maintain confidentiality and independence throughout. Where complaints require investigation, StaCU will work closely with statutory bodies and in conjunction with existing organisational complaints processes.

StaCU will fulfil a crucial oversight function of Prevent, analysing complaints data and informing Ministers. The Commission for Countering Extremism will also publish annual reports sharing details on numbers and types of complaints received by StaCU.

You can send your complaints, concerns or feedback about Prevent using the form.

Robin Simcox, the Commissioner for Countering Extremism, said:

Prevent has a vital role to play in keeping our country safe from the evils of terrorism and extremism. That is why it is so important that it retains public trust and confidence. StaCU will help achieve that.

I encourage those who have any misgivings or feedback about Prevent delivery to be in contact.

The Commissioner for Countering Extremism (CCE) serves as the Home Office’s independent adviser on extremism. The CCE is a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office that supports society to fight all forms of extremism and advises the government and external partners on new policies to deal with these threats.