The chief executive of the city’s Youth Zone is being brought in to provide independent oversight to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme.
Home Office chiefs have been making changes in light of the findings of the first phase of the Southport Murders inquiry which criticised the current Prevent programme.
Tim Jacques, who is leading the soon to open Vault Youth Zone in the heart of the city, is taking on the role of Independent Prevent Commissioner for the Home Office.
Read more: Recommendations made to Lancashire County Council in public inquiry into Southport attacks
OnSide Youth Zone say Jacques, who has an extensive background in policing and national security, is to continue in post while also undertaking the government role.
The inquiry heard 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana had been referred to Prevent three times before his attack.
But the public inquiry led by Sir Adrian Fulford said there was a ‘lack of clarity’ over whether he was a person of interest because he had no adherence to a particular ideology.
Home Secretary Shabna Mahmood has brought in Jacques as the man to look at new oversight and systems for Prevent. Jacques replaces Lord David Anderson who was the interim holder of the same role.
Jacques said: “I am delighted, honoured and humbled to be appointed to this important, independent public role. I am grateful to Lord Anderson and his team for the work already undertaken as the Interim Prevent Commissioner, and for his support to me in taking up this position.
“Preventing terrorism matters. I believe the British public want a system that is understandable, accessible, coherent and consistently applied, in a fair and non-discriminatory way.
“Most of all we need a system that works, as best as it possibly can, in preventing terrorist atrocities and terrorist motivated offending, with all the ensuing human cost, and wider societal impact.
“This role was introduced to bring independent, objective oversight and scrutiny of Prevent and its effectiveness. In order meet this requirement I will work with and listen to anyone with a genuine interest in Prevent, be they policy makers, practitioners, proponents, informed observers or those with genuine concerns.”
He added: “I am also incredibly proud of the team at Vault Youth Zone, and our work to provide a safe vibrant space for young people, surrounded by trusted adults, with unparalleled opportunities to them to unlock their own unique potential and empower their futures.”
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “I am delighted to announce that Timothy Jacques has been appointed as the Independent Prevent Commissioner.
“Protecting the public is this government’s first duty and Prevent remains a vital tool in keeping people safe by intervening early to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism. I am confident that Mr Jacques’ experience and expertise will support continued improvements to the programme and help ensure Prevent continues to operate effectively and proportionately.
“I’d like to thank Lord Anderson for his time as interim Independent Prevent Commissioner and for his report ‘Lessons for Prevent’, which has made a significant contribution to strengthening Prevent and will continue to shape the government’s work in this area. We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge, sense of purpose and duty he brought to the post.”
Chair of the board at Vault Youth Zone, Guy Topping, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Tim appointed as Independent Prevent Commissioner. This is a testament to his integrity, experience, and unwavering commitment to public service. While this appointment rightly recognises his distinguished career in counter-terrorism policing, we are equally pleased that Tim will continue to lead Vault Youth Zone. His dual responsibilities reflect his exceptional capability, and we are confident he will bring the same energy, thoughtfulness, and leadership to both roles.”
The city’s Youth Zone has yet to officially open – although a number of sessions are being held for young people – due to an ongoing wait for road changes outside the Tithebarn Street venue which has cost £11million and will provide activities and opportunities for thousands of young people each week.
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