Prevent Training and Engagement Officer

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity till the 31^st of March 2026. There is the possibility this will be extended for a further year, till the 31^st of March 2027 but is dependent on confirmation of external funding.

Please note that this is a politically restricted role.

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 1.5 million residents in the historic and beautiful county of Essex. ECC has an ambitious agenda for our county reflected in our strategy Everyone’s Essex. 

The Opportunity

As a Prevent Training & Engagement Officer at Essex County Council, this role will be based in the Council’s Equalities and Partnerships Team which covers a range of challenging equalities and partnership issues of national and local importance, including community safety.

A core function of team is to lead on the work to prevent radicalisation, both internally and in partnership through our Prevent Delivery Group. This includes the development and implementation of local Prevent strategies, ensuring we meet the requirements for local authorities under the Prevent Duty and providing advice and guidance for colleagues across the council and partner organisations.

The team is also responsible for developing, delivering, and continuously improving training and engagement programs aimed at raising awareness of Prevent, radicalisation, and associated topics, as well as engaging with a wide range of audiences.

The Role

We are seeking Prevent Training & Engagement Officer with strong Communication skills to:

• Design, develop, and continuously review comprehensive training packages aimed at improving awareness of Prevent, radicalisation, and associated topics for a range of audiences.
• Deliver and administer a full training programme for staff internally, within partner organisations, and within community settings.
• Develop and deliver an engagement plan to work with and consult local communities across Essex 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 Essex and the region.
• Work closely and collaboratively with all Local Authority Prevent Leads to identify gaps and priorities, share good practice, and support them to develop and update risk assessments.
• Support the development of project bids to be administered through the Preventing Radicalisation Initiative Fund and coordinate the delivery of these projects.
• Offer expert advice and assistance in the development and implementation of local Prevent strategies.

How we work

This role is considered an ‘anywhere worker’ by Essex County Council and is predominantly a remote position. However, there is an expectation to be in the office in Chelmsford, Essex, at a minimum of once a month. The role will also involve travel to other locations across the county and beyond to delivery training support different meetings as required.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential

• Strong written and oral communication skills with proven ability to convey complex problems in a clear compelling way, engage in debates and deliver training to a wide range of audiences.
• Recent experience of having worked in a political environment, skills in understanding and responding to different perspectives and taking a cross-organisational perspective.
• Significant experience of stakeholder/community engagement and developing strong working relationships both internally and with a wide range of partners
• A proven ability in the workplace to think creatively, identify gaps and priorities, problem solve, develop ideas from a range of sources and translate these ideas into actions. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Prevent Duty requirements for local authorities and the risks posed from extremist ideologies.
• Level 4/5 (foundation degree) or equivalent by experience.
• Experience of writing successful bids to external funding sources.

Please note that this is a politically restricted role

To read more about our business area, please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. As part of our team, we kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, not only during the recruitment process but also throughout your time with us. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service.  The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate.  This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.  For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

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