Introduction
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy.
It is a safeguarding programme that aims to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorist activity.
Organisations such as Somerset Council have a legal duty to help prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and support those who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
Prevent and safeguarding in Somerset
In Somerset, Prevent is delivered through partnership working between a range of organisations, including:
- Somerset Council
- Schools and colleges
- The NHS
- Police
- Community and voluntary organisations
Prevent is one part of Somerset’s wider safeguarding arrangements and complements existing work to protect children, young people and adults from harm.
The aim is to identify concerns early, understand risk and provide support where appropriate.
Prevent is not a criminal justice process. It is a safeguarding approach that helps protect people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
Radicalisation can happen when people become influenced by extremist ideas that encourage support for terrorism.
What to do if you are worried about someone
If you’re worried that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation, follow the Notice, Check, Share approach.
Notice
Notice when someone you know starts acting in a way that seems unusual or out of character.
For example, they might:
- Stop spending time with family and friends
- Become increasingly angry or fixated on a particular issue
- Talk about violence as a reaction to things that anger them
- Show a concerning level of interest in weapons or violent events
These signs do not necessarily mean someone is being radicalised, but they may be a reason to seek advice.
Check
Take a moment to think about what you’ve noticed. Could there be a reasonable explanation?
If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, talk to the person about what you’ve noticed.
Think about whether other people in their life may have noticed the same things. If appropriate, talk to them about your concerns.
Share
If you’re still worried, share your concerns through the appropriate referral route.
Sharing a concern does not mean someone has committed a crime. To find out the right referral route for you, please visit: Prevent Referrals and Channel in Somerset
Prevent in the community
Part of Prevent involves reducing the risk of people being exposed to messages that encourage support for terrorism.
Whether you’re organising a community event, hiring a venue or allowing others to use your premises, it’s important to think about who is attending, speaking or providing information at your event.
Simple steps can include:
- Understanding who is organising the event
- Knowing who has been invited to speak
- Being clear about the purpose of the event
- Making sure there is a responsible person overseeing the event
- Knowing what to do if concerns are raised
Most community events will never experience these issues. Taking a few simple precautions can help ensure events remain safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Somerset Council is committed to supporting safe, inclusive and resilient communities. For more information, please refer to our Prevent Public Sector Venue Hire and Event Booking Policy.
Complaints and feedback
If you have concerns about how Prevent has been applied, or would like to provide feedback, you can contact the Office of the Independent Prevent Commissioner.
For more information, or to log a compliant, visit: Report a concern about Prevent