1. Purpose
1.1 This policy is intended to support our staff to detect and prevent radicalisation in support of the UK Government’s anti-extremism “Prevent” agenda and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
1.2 This policy uses the following UK Government definition of extremism as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas”.
1.3 This policy applies to all our activities, irrespective of where they are undertaken.
1.4 The law requires the exemplifying of British values such as tolerance and mutual respect and the teaching of British values where the opportunities arise in the curriculum and also challenging extremist ideas.
1.5 This policy is not intended to stifle informed debate about controversial issues, but to protect those at risk of radicalisation by extremists. Therefore, teachers may encourage and facilitate respectful discussion as part of learning.
1.6 This policy is aligned to and should be read in conjunction with City Lit’s Safeguarding Policy.
2. Potential indicators of radicalisation
2.1 Whilst most of our classes contain adults only, it is recognised that any class may contain students at greater risk of radicalisation than adults in general. It is also recognised that young and vulnerable people are at greater risk. Our students are also part-time; therefore it is recognised that staff may have limited opportunities to identify potential radicalisation.
2.2 People can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views from a variety of sources and media, including via the internet, and at times learners may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language.
2.3 Staff and students should be alert to the following signs, particularly if displayed by those who may be at greater risk:
- disclosures by students that they have been exposed to extremist actions, views or materials of others either inside or outside of City Lit
- graffiti, symbols, writing or artwork promoting extremist messages or images
- anyone accessing extremist material online, including through social media, chat rooms, blogs, websites
- unexplained changes in behaviour
- people expressing extremist views
- use of extremist or “hate” terms to exclude others or incite violence
- intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our any of the protected characteristics detailed in our Equality and Diversity Policy
- attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others
- anti-western or anti-British views: - (of "democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs").
2.4 Staff and students should also be aware of people attempting to radicalise others.
3. Procedure to follow if you suspect radicalisation
3.1 If you have any suspicions or concerns about a student or member of staff you should report this confidentially to your manager, course tutor or Duty Manager; s/he should then take further advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead or one of our Safeguarding Officers.
3.2 The Designated Safeguarding Lead will, if necessary, liaise with appropriate external organisations regarding the situation. These organisations include but are not limited to:
- Local authority partners
- The Police
4. Support for our staff
4.1 We will support our staff to implement this policy by:
- Providing all staff with this policy
- Providing online training for established staff and for teaching staff in specialist areas / departments that work with children, young adults and adults at risk
- Providing information and guidance to staff as required
- Providing information to staff, where appropriate, through specific briefings and the Safeguarding annual update
- Further information on the Prevent Agenda is available online at: http://www.preventforfeandtraining.org.uk/
Approved by the Governing Body March 2020