Agenda item

Report of the Remembrancer.

Governors received a report of the Remembrancer concerning the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 which placed two new duties on the Board. Firstly the Board now had a need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism and secondly they would need to co-operate with the panel put into place by local authorities to identify and provide support to those who were vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The Town Clerk’s Community Safety Team representative reiterated that there were significant safeguarding implications in terms of Prevent and the Prevent safeguarding risk matrix was featured in the City and Hackney Thresholds of need document.

During a detailed discussion of the report it was noted that the Corporation was looking at its departments working together in order to identify particular risks e.g. educational establishments and venue hire and to suggest ways forward. It was noted that dealing with this matter required a delicate balance of measures and approach and children could be radicalised in their own homes via the computer and these homes could be based in other local authorities who also had the same obligations. Governors discussed various ways of engaging with parents and the community on this matter and it was particularly noted that good practice encouraged self-help groups for parents and there were good leaflets available.

The Headmistress reminded Governors of the presentation given to them earlier in the year promoting British values and social cohesion and stated that the girls would explore this issue further in their lessons and a counsellor was available if necessary.

RESOLVED – That the report and the duties placed on the Board as set out in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the report, be noted.