Section 29 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on “specified authorities” to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Prevent is about stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist activities.
For example the Prevent Duty (1st July 2015 for schools & 18th September 2015 for colleges) Section 26 of the Act states that these organisations have:
- ‘Due regard’ ‘To Prevent’ assess risk of children and young people being drawn into extremism (based upon different potential risks in each local community);
- Work in partnership with LA safeguarding teams and Safeguarding Children’s Boards;
- Appropriate staff training (Prevent awareness raising, including how and who to refer to);
- IT policies that are robust - appropriate usage for children and staff so they are not vulnerable through internet access (including filters);
- Rigorous and regular monitoring of their safeguarding procedures.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (2019) also states that the Designated Safeguarding Lead in schools and colleges is expected to:
Manage referrals:
- Refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern as required;
- Support staff who make referrals to the Channel programme;
Training:
- Undertake Prevent awareness training;
- Understand and support the school or college with regards to the requirements of the Prevent duty and be able to provide advice and support to staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation.
The 3 objectives of Prevent were introduced in June 2011 which aim to challenge terrorism and the risk of radicalisation:
Ideology
Challenging terrorist ideology by working closely with local and national partners and communities. Utilising social and non mainstream media to introduce counter narratives.
Individuals
Supporting and safeguarding vulnerable young people and adults at risk of radicalisation.
Institutions
Ensure schools and colleges are equipped with the appropriate skills to identify Prevent related risks. Work closely with institutions where the risk of radicalisation and extremism may occur such as faith venues, schools, colleges, health care settings.
Channel
The Department for Education have produced guidance around Channel to outline how it works.
ACT Early
ACT Early provides advice and support around radicalisation, Prevent, and how to seek help. Should you wish to find out more about ACT Early, please visit: www.actearly.uk. You can also find further information using the links below:
- ACT Early - advice and support for parents and carers to keep loved ones safe from radicalisation
- ACT Early – Guidance and support for loved ones who are concerned about friends or family who may be vulnerable to extremism and terrorism.
- ACT Early provides guidance for loved ones who are concerned about a friend or family member who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. The website offers advice around online safety and signs of radicalisation.
- Venue guidance also provides information about mitigating the risks of undesirable venue bookings:
Local Authority contacts:
Jay Hosie Improvement, Prevention & Commissioning Manager. You can contact Jay by calling 01642 444679 or you can contact Jay by email.
We encourage anyone with any concerns to come forward. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect it, report it.
You can report issues using the form below:
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Document
Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism on the GOV.UK here.