PREVENT Policy and Procedure

Our Vision: A Community where everyone has choice and the opportunity to improve their lives

PREVENT Policy and procedure

1.Policy statement

The current threat from Terrorism and Extremism in the United Kingdom is substantial and can involve the exploitation of vulnerable people. In line with guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Home Office, the Foundation of Light has a zero-tolerance approach regarding violent or extremist behaviour and seeks to provide a safe environment for all participants.

2.Policy Aims

To raise awareness of the potential threat from extremist groups and the risks to staff and participants
To provide information about potential causes of violent extremism
To empower participants, regardless of age, to reject violent or extremist behaviour
To empower staff in challenging violent or extremist behaviour
To outline the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy
To outline procedures for tackling extremist behaviour
To promote community cohesion

3.Scope

This policy applies to all individuals connected to Foundation of Light or at any of our premises regardless of their status, grade, or length of service, referred to in this policy as "staff".

4.Definitions

Extremism:

The 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. It may also include the call for the death of members of the armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

Radicalisation:

The process by which people come to support terrorism and extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in terrorist groups.

Community Cohesion:

A society in which the diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and valued, a society in which similar life opportunities are available to all, and a society in which strong and positive relationships exist and continue to be developed in the workplace and the wider community.

5.Government Strategy

The Office for Security and Counter Terrorism works to counter the threat from terrorism and their work is detailed in the counter terrorism strategy CONTEST. This strategy is based on four areas of work:

PursueTo stop terrorist attacks

PreventTo stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism

ProtectTo strengthen protection against terrorist attack

PrepareTo mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack

The Foundation of Light’s responsibility lies within the Prevent strand. Prevent centres around diverting people from being drawn into terrorist activity before any criminal activity takes place and relies on recognising, supporting and protecting those who might be susceptible to radicalisation.

6.Signs and Symptoms

There are a number of possible factors that evidence vulnerability or susceptibility to extremism:

Internal Factors / External Factors
Bullied / Peer pressure
Lonely / Religious belief
Friendless / Media
Grief/bereavement – ‘sense of loss’ / Social media
‘growing up’ / Internet
Low self-esteem / Chat rooms
Family break-up / Friends of families
Low self-confidence / Soap boxing
Mental health issues / Power of influence by extremist characters e.g. Youth Leaders
Personal identity / Areas where you live:

Rallies, posters
Domestic issues, unemployment
Domestic policy

Craving of respect/belonging / Foreign Policy

Potential signs that someone needs help:

Emotional Signs / Verbal Signs / Physical/Circumstantial Signs
Angry behaviour / Pronounced views / More withdrawn
Anxious – conflict / Angry outbursts / Dress – changes/appearance
Self-harm / Mention of people/what has been said / Secretive
Quiet, withdrawn, introverted, isolated / Throw away comments:

Expressing radical views
Almost scripted responses

/ Change of friends
Confusion – mixed view e.g. religion, version of Islam that promotes killing / Changes in language / Change of ‘normal’ routine
Lack of concentration / Talking about things that are not expected/the norm / Tattoos/wearing insignia on clothes

All of these are NOT terrorist behaviours, but COULD be!

7.Referral and Intervention Procedure

If there is an immediate perceived threat to the person’s safety, staff safety or public safety, the police must be contacted immediately

In general, the following format will be used:

Notice: concerns are raised about a person by informing the safeguarding officer or nominated deputy
Check: ensure facts are established
Share: concerns are shared with relevant authority if required

Different authorities exist to deal with different geographical areas and different age groups however as a rule, existing safeguarding alert procedures should be followed:

Children: referral made to Initial Response Team within Children’s Services

Vulnerable Adults: referral made to Local Authority Initial Contact Team

If there are any concerns regarding an adult who does not meet the definition and criteria as a vulnerable adult as defined in the No Secrets guidance, then a referral should be made to Northumbria Police Protecting Vulnerable People Unit on 0191 2957170.

Each case should be kept as confidential as possible, therefore information is shared on a ‘need to know’ basis only

All staff must attend mandatory training to support the identification of potential extremist behaviours and also to ensure they are able to effectively and appropriately challenge an incident.

8.Related Documents:

Equality and Diversity Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Dignity at Work Policy

Involve – Educate – Inspire