CHW220-Safeguarding Against Extremist and Radical Ideologies Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Safeguarding Against Extremist and Radical Ideologies Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance on how {{org_field_name}} safeguards residents, staff, and visitors from extremist and radical ideologies in compliance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and the Prevent Duty, as outlined in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. The policy ensures that the care home maintains a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals are protected from the risk of radicalisation, extremism, and any form of hate-based ideology.

This policy supports the broader safeguarding framework, ensuring that vulnerable adults are protected from being drawn into extremist activities, including terrorism, and that staff have clear procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing concerns.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all residents, staff, agency workers, volunteers, visitors, external contractors, and service providers within {{org_field_name}}. It covers safeguarding measures related to:

The prevention of radicalisation and extremist influences.
Identifying and managing risks associated with radicalisation.
Promoting British and Welsh values, including democracy, respect, and inclusivity.
Staff training, reporting responsibilities, and partnership working with external agencies.

3. Definitions and Legal Framework

3.1 Extremism

Extremism is defined as “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” (UK Government definition). This includes calls for the death of members of the armed forces, incitement to violence, and ideologies that promote division or hatred.

3.2 Radicalisation

Radicalisation refers to the process by which an individual adopts extreme political, social, or religious beliefs that may lead them to support or engage in terrorist activities. Vulnerable individuals, including those in social care settings, can be targeted by extremist groups through social media, peer pressure, or direct recruitment.

3.3 Legislative Framework

Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015: Requires organisations, including care homes, to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Places a duty on care providers to safeguard adults at risk from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
The Human Rights Act 1998 & Equality Act 2010: Ensure the rights of individuals are protected while maintaining an inclusive and safe environment.

4. Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation in the Care Home

4.1 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment

{{org_field_name}} promotes an inclusive and respectful environment where all residents and staff feel valued and supported. This includes:

Encouraging diversity and cultural awareness through events and activities.
Ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, hate speech, or any behaviour that promotes division or extremism.
Providing safe spaces for residents to express their views without fear of judgment while ensuring discussions do not promote harmful ideologies.

4.2 Identifying Vulnerable Individuals

Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to radicalisation due to:

Social isolation or loneliness.
Mental health issues or learning disabilities.
Personal experiences of discrimination, injustice, or trauma.
Exposure to extremist material online or through peer influence.

Staff must be trained to recognise early warning signs, such as sudden changes in behaviour, increased secrecy, expressions of extremist views, or attempts to recruit others into an ideology.

4.3 Staff Training and Awareness

All staff members will receive Prevent Duty training to understand their responsibilities in identifying and addressing radicalisation risks. Training will include:

Recognising signs of radicalisation and extremism.
Understanding how extremist groups target vulnerable individuals.
Using appropriate language and communication techniques when discussing radicalisation concerns.
Understanding the legal responsibilities under the Prevent Duty and safeguarding frameworks.

4.4 Partnership Working and External Reporting

{{org_field_name}} will work closely with external agencies to manage concerns related to extremism, including:

Local Authority Safeguarding Teams: To ensure concerns are managed appropriately.
Local Health Protection Teams: To provide additional support where mental health vulnerabilities are a factor.
Police and Prevent Officers: To report and manage risks of radicalisation.
Community and Faith Groups: To promote social inclusion and prevent isolation.

Concerns should be reported to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} in line with safeguarding procedures.

4.5 Managing and Responding to Concerns

If a resident or staff member is identified as at risk of radicalisation, the following steps must be taken:

Immediate Reporting: Staff must report concerns to the Safeguarding Lead, {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}, without delay.
Risk Assessment: A safeguarding risk assessment will be conducted to determine the level of risk.
Prevent Referral: If the risk is significant, a Prevent referral will be made to the local authority or Prevent team for further investigation and intervention.
Family and Resident Involvement: Where appropriate, families or advocates will be involved in supporting the individual.
Ongoing Monitoring: Staff will ensure that the resident or staff member receives appropriate support and supervision to mitigate risks.

4.6 Use of the Internet and Social Media

Radicalisation often occurs through online platforms. To mitigate this risk:

Internet access within the care home will be monitored to prevent access to extremist content.
Staff must educate residents (where appropriate) on recognising and avoiding online extremist content.
Any suspicious online activity must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead.

4.7 Preventing External Influence

Extremist recruiters may attempt to visit or contact residents. To prevent this:

Visitors must be pre-approved, and staff must be aware of unusual visitor behaviour.
Staff should monitor external communication and ensure that residents are not being coerced into extremist activities.
Any suspicious external influences must be reported immediately.

5. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Safeguarding against extremism is part of the wider safeguarding duty under the Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13). All concerns must be recorded accurately, and staff must follow safeguarding procedures when responding to any risk.

6. Responding to an Immediate Threat

If there is an immediate threat of radicalisation or extremist violence, staff must:

Call 999 if there is an imminent danger.
Alert the Registered Manager and the Safeguarding Lead.
Evacuate or secure the care home as per emergency protocols if necessary.
Follow up with local Prevent teams and authorities.

7. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13) to ensure a consistent safeguarding approach.
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CHW18) to assess and mitigate risks associated with radicalisation.
Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (CHW34) to ensure concerns are managed within legal data protection requirements.
People Taking Positive Risks Policy to balance safeguarding with residents’ rights.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if regulatory requirements or emerging risks necessitate updates. Any changes will be communicated to staff, and further training will be provided if required.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.