Prevent and Radicalisation
Radicalisation
Radicalisation: “…the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups”. HM Government Prevent Strategy 2011
Extremism: “Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Also included in the definition of extremism are calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas”. HM Government Prevent Strategy 2011
Terrorism: “the use or threat of action is designed to influence the government, or an international government organisation, intimidate the public or a section of the public, and use or threat is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause, which;
a) Involves serious violence against a person,
b) Involves serious damage to property,
c) Endangers a person’s life, other than that of the person committing the action,
d) Creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or
e) Is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system
Prevent Duty – Safeguarding from radicalisation
What is Prevent?
Prevent is about safeguarding our communities from the threat of terrorism by stopping people from supporting terrorism or becoming a terrorist themselves.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 placed a duty on specific authorities (local authorities, police, education, health and prisons) to have ‘due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ and to address this with a proportionate response. Having said that, it is important to remember that safeguarding is everyone’s business and therefore agencies outside of this list should also be aware of the risks of radicalisation and what to do if they are concerned about someone.
The Prevent Duty Guidance 2023 is one element of the UK’s national counter-terrorism strategy. Prevent has three key objectives:
1. Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism
2. Intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation
3. Enable people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate
What support is available?
Anyone can make a Prevent Referral if they have concerns that someone is at risk of radicalisation. An electronic form is also available to complete on the Wiltshire Police website. A referral is made to the local Counter Terrorism Police who will gather information to look at the context surrounding concerning behaviour changes and decide on the most appropriate course of action. In most cases, referrals are signposted to other services, but if it is recognised that there is an ideology present, capability or intent to act then they may be put forward for support from Channel.
What is Channel?
Channel is a multi-agency panel consisting of professionals from services in contact with the individual of concern. This will include a chair from the local authority and a Prevent police representative. Participation in Channel is voluntary and confidential, and for children and adults. If consent is obtained, the panel look at risk and protective factors and how support can be provided to build resilience and divert the person away from being drawn into terrorism. Progress is monitored monthly and when it is agreed the individual has no further terrorism related concerns, they will leave the programme. Following a Channel case closure, 6 and 12 month reviews are carried out to review progress. An update in the Channel Duty Guidance 2023 means that these review timescales can now be extended as necessary.
Support is provided via Channel from services including, but not limited to:
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Mental health
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Education
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Housing
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Substance and Alcohol use services
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Adults’ and children’s social care
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Home Office intervention providers
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Mentoring services
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Community policing
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Diversionary activities such as sport and activity clubs
While Wiltshire is considered a low-risk area, it is important to be aware of susceptibilities and vulnerabilities in people we know and meet and that advice is sought if there are concerns.
Spotting the Signs
There are many factors that could make someone susceptible to radicalisation including:
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Feelings of grievance and injustice
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Being at a transitional time of life
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Experiencing a traumatic event
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A desire for political or moral change
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Struggling with a sense of identity, meaning and belonging or questioning their place in society
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A desire for status
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Being influenced or controlled by a group
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Experiencing racism or discrimination
What if I have a concern?
There are several ways you can seek advice:
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Speak to your designated safeguarding lead (if applicable)
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Call 101 and state you would like some advice or make a Prevent referral
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If you see or hear something that could be terrorist related call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321
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If you require urgent police assistance dial 999
Wiltshire Police have produced a practitioner guide to help those who are in a position of care and trust understand what to do if they have a concern that someone may be on the route to radicalisation. You can download the guide here to find out more about local emergency points of contact and where you can access advice and guidance.
It is crucial to note that Prevent is a supportive space and does not get people in trouble or criminalise them. It is about safeguarding them from the impact of extremism and radicalisation.
What if I come across extremist material online?
If you come across extremist material online such as articles, images or speeches that promote terrorism or encourage violence or acts of terrorism you can report it to be removed. You can also download the Counter Terrorism Policing iReportIT app Apple iOS | Android which is designed to give people another way to anonymously report online content promoting violent extremism.
If you come across extremist graffiti, stickers or posters while out and about, please don’t touch it but photograph what you have seen and report it to the police on 101. You can also report suspicious activity via the ACT website.
Multi-agency ‘Radicalisation and Extremism’ training
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Updated Training Offer as agreed by Prevent Board 24/04/2024 so about to be rolled out: The SVPP offer a Wiltshire Prevent training structure including Basic, Enhanced and Specialist Prevent Awareness training. In addition, you can also complete the free online Home Office Prevent training package.
For full training details please view
You can view course dates and book onto the course of your choice by going to our Training Hub.
You can also do the free Home Office Prevent Awareness online training, available on the Home Office website.
For further information please visit the links below.
National Guidance
Useful resources
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Prevent & Channel Factsheet provides a greater understanding of the support Prevent can offer, by highlighting issues and initiating discussions around the potential threats we face as a community, we can create greater understanding and wider awareness.
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Educate Against Hate gives teachers, parents and school leaders practical advice and information on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.
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Act Early provides resources and information about what to do if you are worried someone you know is in danger of being radicalised. The site tells you some signs to look out for and who to go to for help.