Output details

Promoting Community Cohesion and Preventing Violent Extremism in Higher Education and Further Education

Background/ Research aims

The key aim was to critically appraise “campus relations”, community cohesion and the prevention of violent extremism (the Prevent agenda) within further and higher education sectors.

Research design and methods

• Peer review: convening of an Independent Board chaired by Professor Madeleine Atkins (VC: Coventry University and, from January 2014, Chief Executive, HEFCE) with VCs of Kings College and Essex University also members.

• Critical review of literature: An extensive review of literature relating to “campus relations”, “safe colleges”, and the Prevent agenda.

• Stakeholder interviews: More than 20 interviews were conducted with national bodies and policy-makers.

• National Survey: An extensive national survey of 462 higher and further education institutions was conducted.

• Case studies: Area-based case studies were conducted in six places in England with interviews with more than 70 people inside and outside universities and colleges.

• Interactive workshops: Four workshops (attracting over 200 people) were held in London, Cambridge, Birmingham and Bradford to discuss research themes.

• Data analysis: A 15,000 word final report was composed.

Dissemination

An internal workshop was convened for senior staff from universities, colleges and government departments. The report has helped to shape policy and discussion in Universities UK and cited in the Home Affairs Committee Report (2012) Roots of Violent Radicalisation.