The Prevent protocol for Central Bedfordshire
Since 1 July 2015, under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, we've been required to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". Local authorities and their partners have a core role to play in countering terrorism at a local level and help to safeguard individuals at risk of radicalisation. As partnership work is key, the Prevent agenda sits within our community safety team.
The Prevent strategy is part of the government’s overall counter-terrorism strategy. The strategy has three specific objectives:
- respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
- prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
- work with partners where there are risks of radicalisation that need addressing
It's essential organisations that provide services to children, young people and adults are able to identify individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they are identified. Protecting individuals from the risk of radicalisation is an integral part of safeguarding duties.
In Central Bedfordshire, our Prevent protocol formalises the commitment of everyone who has signed up, to fully engage in partnership working, information sharing, awareness raising and a commitment to undertake Prevent training. It provides individuals with a clear and reliable framework to enable them to identify and report concerns regarding potential radicalisation or extremist behaviour.
If you have a concern that someone is, or is at risk of, being radicalisation or extremism, download our step-by-step guide on what to do.
If you have a concern for an adult aged 18 years or over a referral should be made via our adult safeguarding team:
Email: adult.protection@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 300 8122 (Monday to Thursday, 8:45am to 5pm and Friday from 8:45am to 4:30pm), outside of those hours on 0300 300 8123
For children and young people, aged 0-17 years, a referral should be made via our intake and assessment team if you are concerned there is immediate risk of harm:
Telephone: 0300 300 8585
If you have a concern for a specific location, information can be given to Bedfordshire Police on 101 (non-emergency number).
Low-level concerns of radicalisation should be shared with Bedfordshire Police, and where children involved, the Intake and Assessment Team using the Multi-agency Submission Form.