Prevent Engagement Officer

If you are passionate about safeguarding and supporting those at risk of radicalisation, committed to achieving positive outcomes, and can bring experience of community engagement and training, we would love to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Lead on the development of community engagement strategies in relation to Prevent, develop a community advisory group and lead on development and continuity of that group. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the full range of Prevent partners, including police, regional engagement officers, partners in the local authority, health services, and all other relevant statutory and community partners involved in delivering Prevent including attendance at relevant forums. Improve the co-ordination of Prevent activity amongst local community settings.

• Provide advice and support to community organisations and related businesses/associations on their compliance with safeguarding policies relating to Prevent. Promote the Prevent strategy across their local area, including via local media, and keep up to date with changes and any guidance issued by Central government or other relevant agencies.

• Support the development and management of local action plans and SLA’s to prioritise support for these community organisations, related businesses/associations and employees to safeguard vulnerable people. This includes training staff, managers, foster carers, in particular through WRAP (Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent), to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to identify and refer individuals at risk and challenge extremist ideas.

• Deliver training to staff, communities, councillors, faith leaders, and other relevant sectors with regard Prevent, extremism and related subject areas as appropriate.

• Work with community settings to identify appropriate resources in order to embed Prevent strategy, increase people’s resilience to radicalisation and promote fundamental British values. Work with partners to address gaps in resource provision, for example additional resources for staff.

• Undertake work to understand the range of community provision operating in the local area, including identifying and mapping local providers, risk-assessing and monitoring the provision, and providing information to the local authority and line management on any wider safeguarding issues as appropriate.

• Maintain regular and proactive contact with Social Care and DSL’s from community organisations and institutes, highlighting relevant information on extremism and radicalisation impacting on community settings and individuals as well as information on the effectiveness of Prevent in the local area. Provide regular information about related trends, issues and allegations and provide judgement on the success of interventions on a timely basis.

• Attend meetings and act as a central point of contact for MAST operationally on a day-to-day basis where radicalisation concerns arise in relation to relevant settings including education and health in the area and co-ordinate and advise the local partners response. Respond to specific cases where vulnerabilities to radicalisation have been identified in individuals and advice as appropriate in conjunction with Prevent threshold and senior management.

• Coordinate, develop and deliver Prevent training programmes for community groups and residents which raises awareness of Prevent and the relevant services, and reporting arrangements in the borough.

• Lead, develop and coordinate Prevent community champions training programme, network, events, activities, publicity campaigns and ensuring continuity.

• Promote the establishment of a culture of quality and equality across the council; provide overall equality and diversity policy and practice, including the One Tower Hamlets and ‘No Place for Hate’ campaigns.

• Be responsible for proper safekeeping of council equipment including laptops; projectors, etc. Update software and communications.

• Be responsible for observation and external auditing of commissioned projects both announced and unannounced visits; record findings, provide feedback, share best practice and ensure accountability of service level agreements.

• Support on communications both internally and externally for local authority in relation to embedding the Prevent strategy locally, regionally and nationally to stakeholders, including the public, members, council officers, partners organisations, third sector, government agencies, community groups and residents.

• Support Chanel Panel including conducting of home visits for vulnerable individuals and families who may be subjected to radicalisation and or extremism. Analysing risks, lone working and providing advice, mentoring and support on a case-by-case scenario whilst ensuring reports are documented and submitted back to the panel.

• Support cross borough partnership with neighbouring local authorities including training, engagement along with Prevent Engagement cluster networks.

• Deputise for the Prevent Programme Manager as and when required

• Corporate Responsibilities:

• Actively contribute to the council’s priorities and outcomes in a way that promotes a ‘one organisation’ approach.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and communities to ensure the council and the directorate strategic priorities are effectively implemented.

• Promote equality among all staff and ensure that services are delivered in a non-discriminatory way, that is inclusive of all disadvantaged groups.

• Support organisational change and learning, following and implementing appropriate systems of self-development, communication and engagement, quality measures, monitoring and review in delivering the functions of the role.

• Promote sustainability, including encouraging a culture of innovation and accountability amongst all council staff.

• PEOPLE:

• Develop positive sustainable relationships with key stakeholders, government agencies and other local authorities.

• Represent the Prevent Team at relevant meetings as required.

  About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience requirement:

• In depth understanding of the community sector, its structures and governance

• Experience in writing and delivering presentations and training

• Experience in working within a youth, education and or community setting

• Experience of safeguarding policy and process within a setting

• Knowledge requirement:

• Understanding of the Government’s National Prevent Strategy

• Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary £54,360 - £57,495 plus allowances (if applicable).

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.