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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Protection from Radicalisation and Extremism (Prevent Duty) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline {{org_field_name}}‘s commitment to safeguarding service users, staff, and the wider community from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. This policy ensures compliance with The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which places a legal duty on care providers to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism through the Prevent Duty.

This policy ensures that staff:

• Understand their responsibilities under Prevent Duty.
• Can identify the signs of radicalisation and report concerns appropriately.
• Support service users to maintain their independence, safety, and well-being in line with CIW regulations【35】.

This policy aligns with:

• The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 – Introduces the Prevent Duty, requiring social care providers to be proactive in preventing radicalisation.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Places a duty on social care providers to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Ensures all regulated services follow best safeguarding practices【32】.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Mandates robust safeguarding frameworks to prevent abuse and harm【35】.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees at {{org_field_name}}.
• Service users who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
• External partners, volunteers, and agency workers interacting with service users.

It covers:

• Understanding radicalisation and extremism.
• Recognising signs of radicalisation.
• Staff roles and responsibilities.
• Risk assessments and safeguarding measures.
• Referral procedures for concerns.
• Staff training and competency.

3. Definitions

3.1 Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process by which individuals adopt extreme views that may lead them to support or commit acts of terrorism.

3.2 Extremism

Extremism refers to vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for different faiths and beliefs.

3.3 Prevent Duty

Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, aiming to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It applies to care providers, local authorities, the NHS, and educational institutions.

4. Understanding the Risk of Radicalisation

Radicalisation can happen gradually and affect people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, may be particularly at risk.

4.1 Factors that May Make Someone Vulnerable to Radicalisation

• Social isolation or loneliness.
• Mental health issues, depression, or low self-esteem.
• A sudden change in religious or political beliefs.
• Influence from extremist groups via the internet or social media.
• Personal grievances, discrimination, or perceived injustice.

5. Recognising Signs of Radicalisation

Staff should be alert to signs that an individual may be at risk of radicalisation, including:

• Drastic changes in behaviour or speech (e.g., increased aggression, fixation on an ideology).
• Expression of extremist views or hostility towards others.
• Frequent use of extremist websites or materials.
• Justifying the use of violence for ideological, religious, or political reasons.
• Association with known extremist individuals or groups.
• Increased secrecy about activities or personal beliefs.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Responsibilities of the Registered Manager

• Ensure that Prevent Duty policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify service users who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
• Ensure all staff receive Prevent training and know how to report concerns.
• Establish strong safeguarding links with local Prevent teams, CIW, and law enforcement.

6.2 Responsibilities of Staff Members

• Be vigilant and report concerns immediately.
• Follow safeguarding procedures if they suspect someone is at risk.
• Engage positively with service users to promote open discussions and prevent isolation.
• Maintain professional boundaries and avoid influencing service users with personal political or religious views.

7. Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Measures

7.1 Risk Assessments

• Each service user’s risk of radicalisation must be assessed as part of their care plan.
• If a service user is identified as vulnerable to extremist influences, a risk management plan must be put in place.

7.2 Creating a Safe Environment

• Promote inclusivity, respect, and community engagement among service users.
• Challenge extremist narratives and misinformation in a sensitive, professional manner.
• Provide safe spaces for discussion, reducing feelings of isolation.

8. Reporting Concerns and Making a Referral

8.1 How to Report Concerns

If staff suspect a service user or colleague is being radicalised, they must:

1. Report the concern immediately to the Prevent Lead:
   📌 Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} ({{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}).
2. Complete a safeguarding report, detailing:
   • The behaviours observed.
   • Any evidence of extremist content (e.g., social media posts, conversations).
   • Whether the individual is being influenced by an external source.
3. Escalate concerns to external authorities, if necessary:
   • Local Prevent Team – Contact details: {{org_field_local_authority_information_link}}.
   • Police (if there is an immediate threat) – Call 999.
   • CIW and Local Authority Safeguarding Teams (as per safeguarding policies).

9. Training and Staff Awareness

• All employees must complete Prevent Duty training as part of their induction.
• Refresher training is conducted annually and covers:
  • Understanding radicalisation and extremism.
  • Recognising early warning signs.
  • How to report concerns appropriately.
  • Managing sensitive discussions with service users.
• The Registered Manager must ensure that all staff are confident in applying Prevent principles in their day-to-day roles.

10. Monitoring and Compliance

• The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with CIW regulations.
• Safeguarding audits are conducted regularly to review Prevent procedures.
• Feedback from staff and service users is gathered to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy.
• CIW inspections assess how Prevent Duty is implemented within the service.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13).
• Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy (DCW29).
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy (DCW30).
• Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy (DCW34).

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW regulations, or changes in Prevent strategy.

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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}}
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