Standards and Compliance Unit launched to oversee Prevent

The unit, part of the Commission for Countering Extremism, will investigate complaints about how the Prevent duty has been applied.

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.

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.