This role has a starting salary of £35,730 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. This is a fixed term / secondment opportunity until 31/03/2027.

Are you a confident communicator, passionate about engaging with communities and able to work independently in an environment where no two days are the same?

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join Surrey and West Sussex's Prevent teams as a Prevent (Counter Terrorism) Engagement Officer. Although the office is based in Reigate, Surrey, your work will primarily take place in the community and at partner locations, which will involve regular travel across Surrey and West Sussex throughout the week.

The current level of threat from terrorism in the UK is substantial which means an attack is considered likely. The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard individuals from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

You will be responsible for developing, delivering, and continuously improving training and engagement programmes aimed at raising awareness of Prevent, radicalisation, and associated topics by engaging with a wide range of audiences to build relationships and ensure the successful delivery of the Prevent Duty.

Rewards and Benefits:

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role

This role will deliver and develop a strategic programme of community engagement and communications, creating meaningful local partnerships between civil society, communities and statutory Prevent partners. Reporting to Surrey and West Sussex Prevent leads, you will monitor community tensions to identify appropriate actions required and proactively seek opportunities for engagement.

You will offer expert advice, identify vulnerabilities and risks, deliver training, and build a network of contacts within Surrey and West Sussex to advance Prevent activity.

We are seeking Prevent Engagement Officer with strong communication skills to:

• Develop and deliver training packages and communications aimed at improving awareness of Prevent, radicalisation, and associated topics for a range of audiences
• Develop and deliver an engagement plan to work with local communities across Surrey and West Sussex to encourage a better understanding of Prevent and engage them in relevant Prevent activity
• Build effective, collaborative relationships with key internal and external partners across Surrey and West Sussex
• Support the development of project bids and coordinate the delivery of these projects

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience of delivering effective projects in Local Authorities, public services, voluntary/community organisations or similar
• In depth knowledge of child/adult safeguarding
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written etc.) with a track record of building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to address sensitive problems and identify appropriate solutions

Surrey has both urban and rural areas therefore candidates will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across Surrey and West Sussex. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Application Questions

To apply, alongside your CV, you will be asked to answer the following questions:

• What is your motivation in applying for the role of Prevent Engagement Officer?
• Tell us about a time when you had to work with a person or group who was initially resistant to your ideas or proposals. How did you manage to build rapport?
• Describe a situation where you had to diffuse a tense or confrontational situation at work. What strategies did you use to calm the situation?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 10/04/2025 with interviews to follow.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.