Scottish Preventing Violent Extremism Unit

The Scottish Preventing Violent Extremism Unit (SPVEU) was setup in July 2009 by the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) in order to co-ordinate the delivery of the prevent strand of Contest in Scotland.

The SPVEU is situated within the Equalities, Social Inclusion and Sport Division, which is currently headed by Liz Hunter. Even though counter-terrorism policy formulation is reserved by the Westminster government, the actual implementation and prevention of violent extremism is managed and controlled by the Scottish government and it’s devolved, local agencies.

According to the Scottish Government Website: “all Prevent activity in Scotland is reported to the CONTEST (counter terrorism) Scotland Board. This Board oversees the delivery of CONTEST in Scotland and involves representatives from across the Scottish Government and national and local statutory partner.”^[1]

The SPVEU works in close cooperation with the Scottish Government, the Scottish Police Services, local statutory agencies and the Muslim community, amongst others.