Prevent duty

Prevent safeguards people at risk of radicalisation in a similar way to safeguarding processes designed to protect people from gangs, drug abuse, and physical and sexual abuse.

Prevent is one part of the government's overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST.

The aim of Prevent is to:

tackle the causes of radicalisation
respond to the challenges that terrorist ideology may present
safeguard and support those most at risk of radicalisation through early intervention
support those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act places a duty on specified authorities, including schools and colleges, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism ('the Prevent duty'). The Prevent duty reinforces existing duties placed upon educational establishments for keeping children safe.

The Prevent Duty protects children, young people and adults from the risk of radicalisation — a process where a person becomes vulnerable to extremist influences or drawn into supporting terrorist ideologies. Education settings play a vital role in identifying concerns early and ensuring the right support is provided.

What to do if you are a professional and are concerned about someone

If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of radicalisation, you should follow national guidance for making a Prevent referral.

You should:

Speak with your organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance.
Follow your Local Authority's agreed Prevent referral pathway. Norfolk Channel Procedures (PDF, 204 KB) (updated 2021) give guidance around making referrals to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) about Prevent.

3. Making a referral, you should use the Prevent Referral Form (PDF, 171 KB). It is designed in such a way to prompt the referrer to describe as much detail as possible, which in turn will allow for comprehensive and timely assessment. Send completed forms to [email protected]

All enquiries regarding PREVENT should go to [email protected]

If you have any questions about completing the referral form please call The Prevent Team on 01953 423905 or 01953 423896.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non‑urgent concerns, you can contact the police on 101.

Concerns About an Educational Provider

For concerns about extremism within an education provider — including allegations involving staff, volunteers or external influences — use the reporting extremism form. Advice should also be sought from the Local Authority Education Duty Desk which is a triage for the LADO service- 01603 307797.

Support, Advice and Guidance from the Department for Education (DfE)

The Department for Education (DfE) plays a central role in helping schools safeguard pupils from radicalisation and extremism as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities. The DfE provides a range of support, training and guidance to help you strengthen your safeguarding approach and feel assured that you have effective policies and procedures in place to protect individuals who may be susceptible to radicalisation.

As part of the strategic approach to the Prevent duty, please read the Department for Education's risk assessment and guidance.

Schools & Further Education Toolkits are available on the Educate Against Hate website-

Schools Prevent Self-Assessment Toolkit Prevent Duty Self-Assessment template for Schools - Educate Against Hate
FE Prevent Self-Assessment Toolkit Prevent duty self-assessment template for further education - Educate Against Hate

More information, along with the Strategy, can be downloaded from the Preventing Radicalisation page on the Norfolk County Council website.

Further information on understanding radicalisation risk and managing risk is available in the safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation guidance.

Home Office Prevent Toolkit

This Toolkit (PDF, 1 MB) draws together a range of information and resources that can be used to support understanding in relation to the Prevent Duty.

Prevent Duty training

There are a number of different e-learning packages which school and college staff can access via the Home Office.

There are Virtual training sessions designed by DfE for designated safeguarding leads to understand their responsibilities and the importance of the Prevent duty.

ACT Early

Information about Prevent and spotting the signs of radicalisation, including a referrals helpline, as well as resources such as videos and case studies: Action Counters Terrorism.