New Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of Prevent

The new Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of Prevent, to be led by William Shawcross, have been published.

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, including new wording on considering the past as well as the present, and the impact of Prevent as well as its delivery.

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 final report, including any recommendations for the Review, will be submitted to the Home Secretary by 30 September 2021.

In recent weeks, a coalition of human rights and community groups have said they will boycott the government’s review of the Prevent programme in protest at the appointment of William Shawcross as its chair.