Paul Thomas
Professor of Youth and Policy, School of Education and Professional Development, University of Huddersfield
2022
Paul Thomas is Professor of Youth and Policy in the School of Education and Professional Development at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Paul’s research focusses on how Countering Violent Extremism policies such as the UK’s Prevent Strategy have been understood and enacted by frontline practitioners, particularly educationalists such as youth workers, community workers and teachers, and experienced by communities. It has led to books such as, Responding to the Threat of Violent Extremism: Failing to Prevent (Bloomsbury, 2012), articles in many leading academic journals, and presenting research evidence to the UK House of Commons. Paul’s ‘Community Reporting Thresholds’ research with colleagues in Australia, the UK, USA and Canada has focussed on barriers to community members reporting concerns about an ‘intimate’ (a close friend, partner, or family member) becoming involved in violent extremism. Paul is a qualified Youth and Community Worker, and previously worked for the UK Government’s Commission for Racial Equality.
The Summit offers a unique opportunity to confront the corrosive influence of bigotry and hatred in our society. In order for us to address these challenges, we first must acknowledge their painful and destructive impact in our communities and in our country. I am grateful to serve as a Global Advisor to this timely and powerful initiative.
