Anti-terrorism boss speaks up

Myerscough College director of student support Bernard Pendleton is heading to the Netherlands to “share best practice” about Prevent, the government anti-terrorism strategy.

He is the Bilsborrow college’s senior lead for safeguarding, which involves overseeing a group of 15 trained Designated Senior Persons and support staff who help with all aspects of safeguarding.

Besides making sure the college meets all legislation, the college runs ongoing training and workshops designed to tackle the problem of terrorism at its roots , preventing students from supporting terrorism or becoming involved themselves.

As a result Mr Pendleton has been invited to an international study visit, in May, where Myerscough will be used as an example of best practice, and will be discussed as part of a programme with partners and other members in the sector.

He said: “This sort of training is a key part of my responsibility.”

The director added: “It’s not about preventing students from having political and religious views and concerns, but about supporting them to use those concerns or act on them in non-extremist ways. “We actively engage with other partners, as appropriate, including police and local authority Prevent co-ordinators, as well as sharing information across the relevant curriculum areas within the college.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to debating, sharing and learning new techniques with colleagues from across the EU,”