Prevent
What is Prevent
In 2015 the Counter Terrorism and Security Act placed a duty on specific authorities, including local authorities, police, education and health services to have ‘due regard to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’.
The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard vulnerable people from becoming terrorists, or supporting terrorism, by engaging with those who are considered to be vulnerable to radicalisation and protecting those who are being targeted by terrorist recruiters. It addresses all forms of terrorism by responding to the ideological challenge of terrorism, supporting vulnerable people, and enabling those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.
Knowing the indicators that either an adult or a child is at risk of, or is being, radicalised could give them a voice and prevent acts of extremist violence taking place. Anybody can be radicalised but below are some of the potential risk indicators
- Have low self-esteem
- Be confused about their faith, sense of belonging, or identity
- Be victims of bullying or discrimination
- Feel isolated or lonely
- Be experiencing stress or depression
- Be going through a transitional period in their life
- Be angry at other people or the government
- Feel angry about how they are treated or seen by society
- Grievances
It is very difficult to know at what stage certain views can become dangerous, or whether someone is being exploited and manipulated into becoming a part of an extremist group. Signs aren’t always obvious but below are some potential indicators:
- Withdrawal from family and/or friends, or a changing circle of friend
- Hostility towards others
- Talking as if from a script
- Being unwilling to discuss their views
- Increased levels of anger
- Being secretive, particularly around what they are doing on the internet
- Using extremist terms to exclude people or incite violence
- Expressing the values of extremist or terrorist organisations (including political or religious based grievances)
- Supporting violence and terrorism towards other cultures, nationalities or religions
- Writing or creating artwork that promotes extremist values
- Talking about being a ‘martyr’
- Possession of extremist literature or other material, or trying to access extremist websites
- Possession of any material about weapons, explosives or military training
Channel Panel
Channel is a multi-agency panel consisting of professionals from partner agencies and those who are in contact with the particular individual. Having a Channel panel is a statutory duty placed on local authorities and there is a ‘Duty to Co-operate’ on all partners. The Channel panel will include a chair from the local authority and a Prevent police representative.
The purpose of the Channel Panel is to provide support to those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or supporting terrorism. Individual participation in Channel is voluntary and confidential and if consent is gained the panel will look at protective and risk factors and identify how support can be provided for the individual to build resilience and to divert them away from terrorism. Progress is monitored on a monthly basis and at a point where it is felt that there are no further terrorism related concerns they leave the programme. There are six and twelve month reviews carried out following closure to review progress.
Making a Referral
Anyone can make a Prevent referral if they have concerns about someone. When a referral is made information is gathered to look at the context surrounding concerning behaviour changes and to conduct a vulnerability assessment. In most cases referrals are signposted to other services, but if it is recognised that there are ideological concerns, capability or intent to act then they may be put forward to the Channel Panel.
If you think that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation you can make a referral using the Prevent National Referral Form. For initial advice and support please consult with
The Channel Co-ordinator based at the Safer Communities team in Brighton and Hove City Council at: Channel.Prevent@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call on 01273 291115
The Brighton and Hove City Council Prevent Lead/Co-ordinator: Nahida.Shaikh@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 290584 or 07717303292
The Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group Prevent Lead (for Health): fiona.crimmins@nhs.net
If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult is experiencing abuse or neglect then please contact Heath and Adult Social Care at hascsafeguardinghub@brighton-hove.gov.uk
If you believe a crime is being committed, or planned, or is aware of any terrorist activity should contact Sussex Police Prevent Team without delay on 101 Ext 550543
If an adult or child is in immediate danger you should contact the Police by calling 999
Resources
Further government guidance on Prevent can be accessed here
You can also learn more about Prevent by undertaking free Home Office e-learning training that is in the training section of the BHSAB website.
Below are some further resources in relation to Prevent:
Report terrorist or extremist content online – Action Counters Terrorism (campaign.gov.uk)
Lets Talk About It – Working Together To Prevent Terrorism (ltai.info)
Safe in the City | Brighton & Hove Community Safety Partnership
Films
Prevent: An Introduction – YouTube
Training
The Home Office offers a Prevent e-learning training package. This can be accessed via the training section within this website or directly via the Home Office.