Skip to sub navigation Skip to main content
Show menu

Extremism

What is Prevent duty?

Terrorism has a devastating impact on victims, their families and communities. Many lives have been lost to terrorist attacks in the UK, and even more people have been injured.

Prevent is a national programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that people who are susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions, and communities are protected against radicalising influences.

Prevent is a safety net against radicalisation. It aims to intervene early, to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent deals with all terrorist ideologies, from Islamist to Extreme Right-Wing. Prevent is delivered at a local level by experts who understand the risks in their communities. Partners include local authorities, police, education, healthcare and charities. For people who are susceptible to radicalisation, Prevent can provide personalised interventions to help them move away from dangerous ideologies.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation can happen when a person develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities. There are many ways that a person could become radicalised, and people can become exposed to radicalising influences in-person, or online. A person’s susceptibility to radicalisation may be linked to their vulnerability. A person can be vulnerable if they need special care, support or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse, or neglect.

Common signs of radicalisation may include:

  • Accessing extremist content online or downloading propaganda material
  • Justifying the use of violence to solve societal issues
  • Altering their style of dress or appearance to accord with an extremist group
  • Being unwilling to engage with people who they see as different
  • Using certain symbols associated with terrorist organisations.

If you are worried someone you know is being radicalised, visit the ACT Early website for advice. Anything you share will always be in confidence. Anyone who is being radicalised can be referred to Prevent and anyone can make a referral. Referring someone ensures they get the help they need to keep them and others safe.

The aim of Prevent duty

The aim of Prevent Duty is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent is a national safeguarding programme that supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through radicalisation. Prevent also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.

The objectives of Prevent Duty are to

  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 is Channel and how does it support Prevent?

Channel is the safeguarding panel which supports Prevent. Led by Local Authorities, it is a programme which focuses on supporting people at an early stage who are identified as susceptible to being drawn into terrorism. It ensures people can receive support before they are exploited by those wanting them to embrace terrorist related activity.

Channel is a confidential and voluntary process where multi-agency safeguarding professionals meet to discuss support options. These support options include different interventions, addressing educational, vocational, mental health, and other vulnerabilities. Ideological support is also common, which may include discussion with credible ideological experts and faith leaders.

Encourage anyone to seek advice (check) if they have any concerns whatsoever.

What to do if you are worried about someone being radicalised

There is a simple referral process in place for you to use for adults and children if you have any immediate or ongoing concerns about a potential Prevent referral situation.

How do I make a referral?

Nottinghamshire Police Prevent Team

Contact the Nottinghamshire Police Prevent Team; You can speak to the team informally before making a full referral.

For more information on Prevent and how to get support, please visit:

Act Early Support line

If you are worried about someone being drawn into radicalisation, call the Act Early support line 9am to 5pm every day to share you concern in confidence with a specially trained officer.

#iREPORTit

#iREPORTit is a free app to anonymously report online content promoting violent extremism.

Useful resources on preventing radicalisation