Other Articles and Blogs

Blogs | 28/09/2017

Why Women Should Be At The Forefront Of Preventing Radicalisation And Extremism

Parity between the sexes remains one of the most vital challenges of our society and one which has the power to resolve so many inequalities and social harms. Tackling extremism is yet one more area where this holds true, as it becomes increasingly clear that the push for – and protection of – gender equality is arguably the most significant counter-narrative to extremist ideology.

Blogs | 03/09/2017

Implementing British Values – An Irishman’s perspective

In my view, this focus on Britishness facilitates lazy interpretations of values. Some lists suggest that children should be encouraged to listen to British music like Freddy Mercury or they should eat roast dinners at school! By all means, schools are welcome to display union flags and celebrate the Queen’s birthday but this merely pays lip service to what British values are trying to achieve.

Blogs | 10/08/2017

Prevent: A personal reflection

It would be ridiculous for those of us who work in Prevent to be complacent, this area of safeguarding is too sensitive and too important. We need open dialogue and debate, but constructive critics are drowned out by the cacophony of detractors who demand to be heard but offer nothing but noise.

Blogs | 25/06/2017

The Hate Equation

The problem of radicalisation is a human one, but the issue of ideology is inextricably linked. Like an airborne virus waiting to strike when our immune system is weak, extremism permeates through society attaching itself to the vulnerable and cruelly imitating what they crave; identity, belonging and purpose.

Blogs | 13/03/2017

Critics have it pegged as Minority Report, but Prevent isn’t really that exciting

Identifying risk factors and vulnerability have been fundamental to safeguarding for decades, yet when Prevent adopts this same approach to reduce the risk of radicalisation, its critics label it “Orwellian”.

Blogs | 15/09/2016

Confessions of a former Prevent Officer

Ultimately I work in Prevent because it makes a difference. It transforms lives and protects communities. I believe that it is the right thing to do. And when staunch critics are unable or unwilling to put forward credible alternatives, it is clear that at the moment it’s the best we’ve got.