The PREVENT duty in Further Education and Skills refers to a legal obligation placed on education institutions in the United Kingdom, including further education colleges and training providers, to take steps to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism or extremist activities. This duty is part of the wider counter-terrorism strategy in the UK known as CONTEST.
The PREVENT duty, which is one of the four key strands of CONTEST (the others being Pursue, Protect, and Prepare), places an emphasis on identifying and supporting individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremist influences. It requires educational institutions to have policies and procedures in place to address these concerns and to promote the values of democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law.
Key elements of the PREVENT duty in Further Education and Skills include:
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Risk Assessment: Institutions are expected to assess the risks of radicalisation among their students and staff.
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Training and Awareness: Staff members are trained to recognise signs of radicalisation and are aware of the procedures for reporting concerns.
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Safeguarding: Institutions should have effective safeguarding measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
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Promotion of British Values: Colleges and training providers are required to actively promote British values, including democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.
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Reporting: If staff members have concerns about an individual's vulnerability to extremism or radicalisation, they are expected to report these concerns to appropriate authorities.
It's important to note that the PREVENT duty is not meant to stifle freedom of speech or discriminate against any particular group. Instead, it aims to create a safe and inclusive learning environment while preventing the influence of extremist ideologies that could lead to harm or terrorism.
The implementation of the PREVENT duty has been a subject of debate and scrutiny, with concerns about potential overreach and its impact on freedom of expression. However, it remains a legal obligation for education institutions in the UK as part of their broader responsibilities for the welfare and safety of their students and staff.
What are the signs of Radicalisation?
Identifying signs that someone at work may be radicalised can be challenging, as these signs can be subtle and may not necessarily indicate radicalisation on their own. It's essential to approach this issue with sensitivity and avoid jumping to conclusions. Radicalisation is a complex process influenced by various factors, and not everyone who exhibits these signs is necessarily on a path toward extremism. That said, here are some potential signs that someone at work may be showing signs of radicalisation or susceptibility to extremist influences:
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Sudden Behavioural Changes: Abrupt changes in behaviour, such as becoming more withdrawn or exhibiting increased aggression, can be indicative of someone undergoing a radicalisation process.
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Isolation from Peers: Individuals who start isolating themselves from colleagues or social groups and begin spending more time alone or with new acquaintances may be vulnerable to extremist influences.
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Increased Preoccupation with Ideological or Political Issues: A noticeable shift in an individual's interests and discussions towards extremist ideologies or political topics associated with radicalism can be a warning sign.
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Radicalised Online Activity: Regularly visiting extremist websites, sharing extremist content on social media, or engaging in online discussions with radicalised individuals can be a significant red flag.
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Expressing Support for Extremist Groups or Figures: Vocal support for extremist groups or figures in the workplace or online can signal radicalisation.
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Altered Appearance: Drastic changes in appearance, such as adopting clothing or symbols associated with extremist groups, may indicate a person's alignment with radical ideologies.
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Signs of Alienation: A sense of alienation from society, government, or specific groups may make an individual more susceptible to extremist recruitment efforts.
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Disregard for Laws or Regulations: Openly expressing disregard for legal and societal norms, advocating for violence or illegal activities, or endorsing acts of terrorism are serious signs of radicalisation.
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Sudden Religious or Political Zealotry: A rapid and extreme increase in religious or political zealotry, particularly if it wasn't previously a dominant aspect of the person's life, can be a concern.
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Change in Travel Patterns: Frequent travel to regions associated with conflict or extremist activity without an apparent reason could be a cause for concern.
It's important to note that these signs, when observed individually, may not necessarily indicate radicalisation. They could be related to other personal or psychological factors. It's crucial not to make hasty judgments and instead seek advice from relevant authorities or organisations specialising in countering extremism and radicalisation. If you have genuine concerns about someone at work, it's best to report those concerns through appropriate channels established by your organisation or law enforcement agencies, if necessary.
Tags:
Educational/AwarenessMay 20, 2023