Radicalisation & Extremism
Prevent Duty
The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard vulnerable people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, by engaging with people who are vulnerable to radicalisation and protecting those who are being targeted by terrorist recruiters. As one part of the Government’s Counter terrorism strategy – CONTEST, Prevent sits alongside other work that includes Pursue (stopping terrorist attacks happening in the UK and overseas), Protect (strengthen protection against a terrorist attack in the UK or overseas) and Prepare (mitigate the impact of a terrorist incident if it occurs).
The aim of the Prevent strategy is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Prevent strategy 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.
Prevent addresses all forms of terrorism (extreme right wing, Al-Qaida or Daesh inspired and associated terrorisms, single issues etc.).
Further information can be found in the government guidance.
For information about the training requirements from the Prevent Duty, click here.
For more information about the training WSCC offer relating to Prevent visit the WSSCP Training Calendar, or log into the Learning Pool or contact the Countering Extremism Team – prevent.training@westsussex.gov.uk
Making a Prevent referral
Prevent provides support to anyone who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
NOTICE – CHECK – SHARE
If you notice a change in an individual that could make them vulnerable to being exploited or radicalised, follow the safeguarding procedures within your organisation. Check your concern with a senior member of staff or designated safeguarding lead and if there is a genuine concern about radicalisation, they should share this with the Prevent Team who could advise you to make a referral into Prevent.
Referrals into Prevent may be appropriate for Channel. Channel is a Multi-Agency Process, which uses existing collaboration between partners to support individuals and protect them from being drawn into terrorism or supporting terrorism. Channel is a statutory duty placed on the local authority and there is a ‘Duty to Co-operate’ on all partners of a panel – as far as it is compatible with the partner’s legal responsibilities in respect of their function.
Accepting support from Channel is voluntary. If you think that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation you can make a referral using the:
Guidance on completing the Prevent National Referral Form
Guidance on completing the National Referral Form
Prevent National Referral Form (updated August 2024)
Prevent National Referral Form
If you have any concerns about an individual possibly being drawn into or supporting terrorism, discuss them first with your manager. If this is not possible, or if, having considered the case, you still believe there may be grounds for a Channel referral, contact any of the following to discuss the case:
Sussex Police Prevent Team:
Telephone: 101 | Ext. 531355
Email: SussexPrevent@thamesvalley.police.uk
Or
West Sussex Channel Panel Chair
Beverly Knight
Community Safety and Wellbeing, WSCC
Telephone: 0330 222 4223
Email: beverly.knight@westsussex.gov.uk
Or
Contact the Integrated Front Door (IFD)
Telephone: 01403 229 900
Out of Hours: 0330 222 6664
Refer a safeguarding concern to the Integrated Front Door (IFD) by clicking on the link below –
Consult with any of the professionals above regarding the suitability of the referral. They can provide you with a ‘Prevent Referral’ form’. Complete the form and return it to the Prevent Team by email to: PreventReferralswestsussex@sussex.police.uk
If a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the police by calling 999.
Any worker who believes 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. 531355