What is Radicalisation and Prevent?

Radicalisation can happen when a person develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities.

How is terrorism and extremism defined in the UK?

Terrorism and extremism are sometimes used interchangeably. Both pose a threat to students, but they have very distinct definitions. In the UK we define terrorism as a violent action that:

  • Endangers a person’s life, other than that of the person committing the action
  • Involves serious violence against a person
  • Causes serious damage to property
  • Creates a serious risk to the public’s health and safety
  • Interferes with or seriously disrupts an electronic system

The Counter Extremism Strategy 2015 states “Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and respect and tolerance for different faiths and beliefs. We also regard calls for the death of members of our armed forces as extremist.”

It’s important to remember that not all extremist groups, whether Islamist, extreme right-wing, mixed and unclear ideologies, or others, will commit terrorist or violent acts. However, some groups pose particular threats, both online and offline. People can commit a terrorist offence even if they have not carried out a terrorist attack. Downloading terrorist materials from the internet or joining a terrorist group could be a terrorist offence.

Spot the signs of radicalisation

Radicalisation can happen both in person and online. There is no exhaustive list of behaviours that may indicate an individual is at risk of being radicalised or becoming involved in terrorism. The following signs may indicate someone is at risk:

  • Use of inappropriate language
  • Accessing violent or extremist content online or downloading/possessing violent extremist literature
  • Association with known extremists 
  • Seeking to recruit others to an extremist ideology
  • Advocating violent actions and means
  • Altering their language, style of dress or appearance to accord with an extremist group
  • The expression of extremist views 

What is Prevent and what duty does City St George's have?

Prevent is part of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy, which is focused on providing practical help to stop people from being drawn into terrorism. People who are identified as being at risk of radicalisation are offered support though the 'Channel' process, which is designed to assess the degree of vulnerability and risk and offer appropriate support. All Universities have a statutory duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is called the Prevent Duty.

The Prevent process

At City, St George's if an individual has a concern that a student or member of staff is at risk of radicalisation they should report their concerns. The report will be shared with the appropriate Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who will consider the information in the report and if necessary, seek advice from City St George's Operational Prevent Lead or Designated Safeguarding Leads.  If there is a view that there is sufficient cause for concern, advice will be sought from external agencies, and where there is a view that there is a material risk to the student or the staff member, they will be referred to the City, St George's Channel Referral Panel, and be informed about the referral, and the reasons for this.   

If the panel decides that a person is at risk, they’ll be invited to join a support programme called Channel, which is voluntary. If a person chooses not to take part in the programme, they may be offered other support instead and any risk will be managed by the police. The support provided by the Channel programme may include:

  • Mentoring
  • Mental health support such as counselling
  • Education or career development support
  • Online safety training for parents

I have a Prevent related concern 

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of radicalisation there are ways in which you can help them. Understanding the behaviours associated with radicalisation is a good place to start. 

Talk

  • If it’s somebody that you know well, try talking to them about what you’ve noticed if you feel comfortable doing so. Be aware that your concern might not be welcome at first, and the person may get angry or defensive. 
  • If you are not comfortable speaking to the person directly, you can speak to a Designated Safeguarding Officer. Each School and Professional Services Directorate has a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) who is the first point of contact for any Prevent related queries or concerns. DSO’s receive in-depth training on Prevent and will be able to provide confidential advice and support.

Report

  • Members of staff and students can report concerns using City St George's Report + Support platform. You can choose to do this without providing your personal details or you can request support from a Designated Safeguarding Officer by filling in the form with your contact details. 

Support

Students can connect with staff across the University:

  • Student Health and Wellbeing provide students with practical, emotional and specialist disability related support. Students can complete the e-referral form to access these services.
  • Student Support Services are a multi-disciplinary team that provides support, expert advice and guidance to students. You can contact them through our Support@City platform
  • The Chaplaincy Team offer pastoral support to everyone, welcoming every faith, belief and culture and students with no faith, and can be contacted directly. 
  • The SU Advice Service offer support for students who have experienced any form of harassment, bullying or sexual violence, either on campus, online or off campus. You can access support here.

Your mental health and wellbeing 

If you are supporting someone, make sure you look after yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, you may also want to access support for yourself.  

Back

There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Report with personal details or Report without personal details