Understanding extremism in Scotland: research findings - summary

Exploring public, public sector practitioner and stakeholder understandings and experiences of extremism and Prevent

Research with the public

The research with the public was carried out by the Diffley Partnership and academics from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews.

This research included:

• An online and telephone survey, which received 2,071 responses
• 5 focus groups and 8 follow-up interviews

Research with public sector practitioners

The research with public sector practitioners was carried out by Thinks Insight and Strategy.

The practitioners included professionals working in sectors which, under the Prevent duty, must pay 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism', including local authorities, health and social care, education, prisons, and the police.

This research included:

• 19 in-depth interviews and 4 mini focus groups
• An online survey, which received 492 responses

Research with stakeholders

The research with stakeholders was carried out by Scottish Government researchers. Stakeholders included predominantly senior-level representatives of organisations who have direct involvement in Prevent, or significant interest in Prevent or extremism in Scotland more generally.

Participants included representatives from the police, local authorities, education, health, government and prisons, as well as faith and belief, private and third sector organisations.

This research included:

• 29 in-depth interviews

The research with stakeholders, public sector practitioners and the public explored:

• How participants understand extremism
• Participants' views on extremism in Scotland
• Participants' experiences of extremism in Scotland
• Participants' views on Prevent