Understanding extremism in Scotland: research findings - summary

Next steps

This work has highlighted areas where further research would be beneficial, including:

Research to explore extremist activity taking place in Scotland in greater detail.

Research to explore the impact and effectiveness of Prevent in Scotland in more depth.

Communications testing research to explore the best way to communicate with public sector practitioners on extremism and Prevent.

Research to explore differences in the views and experiences of different demographic groups in more detail.

It has also highlighted recommendations for policymakers and agencies involved in Prevent delivery in Scotland, including:

Giving consideration to the merits of having an official definition of extremism for use in Scotland, or at least to set out the views, behaviours and activities that are considered to constitute extremism in the context of Prevent more clearly. This would help to ensure there is a shared understanding of what is meant by the term among those responsible for tackling it.

Raising awareness of Prevent, particularly among public sector practitioners with a statutory obligation to fulfil the Prevent duty.

Improving training and guidance around the different types of extremism that exist, and the views, behaviours and signs that could indicate susceptibility to extremist narratives.

The full reports from the research projects described in this document are available at the following links:

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Evidence review

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Review of definitions and terminology

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Public perceptions and experiences

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Public sector practitioner perceptions and experiences

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Stakeholder perceptions and views

In addition, a comprehensive summary overview of the research findings is available at the following link:

Understanding extremism in Scotland: Research findings