Prevent

Prevent is a national programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that people who are susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions, and communities are protected against radicalising influences.

Radicalisation can happen when a person develops extreme views or beliefs that support terrorist groups or activities. There are different types of terrorism and Prevent deals with all of them.

Visit terrorism and extremism (educateagainsthate.com) to find out more about what terrorism means.

Prevent is run locally by experts who understand the risks and issues in their area, and how best to support their communities. These experts include local authorities, the police, charities and community organisations.

Under the 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, ‘specified authorities’ including schools, colleges, universities, health, local authorities, police, and prisons must consider the risk of radicalisation as part of their day-to-day work.

The Prevent duty requires specified authorities to help prevent the risk of people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Local councils have a responsibility to oversee delivery of the programme locally, collaborating with partners to understand and respond to local risks.

More information can be found in the Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales -2023 (GOV.UK)

Last updated: 16/05/2025 09:36