Kingston Council is actively monitoring and addressing risks to social cohesion, a key strategic risk identified in the council's corporate risk register. The council is employing intelligence sharing and community engagement strategies to mitigate potential impacts, which include an increased fear of crime, unlawful actions, strain on service delivery, compromised officer and councillor security, budget pressures, and reputational damage.
Risks to social cohesion are exacerbated by national and international events.
These include the radicalisation of individuals, the rise of conspiracy theories and disinformation amplified by unregulated technology like artificial intelligence, divisive political discourse, the importation of international conflicts, and underlying tensions being ignited by local or international events.
The council's approach involves robust intelligence sharing mechanisms. These include quarterly reviews with the Community Safety team, participation in monthly Precision Crime Fighting Meetings, and monthly security review meetings to facilitate intelligence exchange with the Police. Furthermore, the Kingston Prevent Partnership Board meets bi-annually to share training and resources. Regular forums with community and religious, faith, and belief groups are also in place for rapid information dissemination and monitoring of community tensions.
To foster social cohesion, Kingston Council employs a range of community engagement strategies. These include ongoing interaction with residents, communities, and businesses through bodies like the Chamber of Commerce and Kingston First. The Safer Kingston Partnership and Kingston Partnership Board, along with the Borough Resilience Forum, are key platforms for collaboration. The council also ensures compliance with Part 3 of the Public Sector Equality Duty to promote good relations between different groups.
The Inclusive Kingston Strategy
is central to these efforts, involving continuous community engagement and partnership development to strengthen relationships with community groups and provide support. The council offers guidance and community grants to help local groups deliver projects, and supports the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector through Kingston Voluntary Action (KVA). Local history celebrations and neighbourhood-based initiatives are also utilised to cultivate a sense of belonging.
Kingston Council monitors the effectiveness of its social cohesion strategies through intelligence sharing and trend analysis during quarterly reviews. Regular forums with community and faith groups allow for quick information dissemination, reassurance, and the monitoring of community tensions. The Kingston Prevent Partnership Board and the Inclusive Kingston Strategy also contribute to governance and ongoing engagement.