Prevent Policy

Prevent Policy - Santos Training & Development Ltd

Introduction and Context

Prevent is a strand of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy. The UK faces a range of terrorist threats. Threats are not limited to the threat from religious extremists and we therefore need to be mindful of all potential threats to which our learners are exposed to. All terrorist groups who pose a threat to us seek to recruit and radicalise individuals to their cause. Nationally Prevent seeks to:

  • Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote those views.
  • Provide practical help and support to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support.
  • Work with a wide range of sectors where there are risks of radicalisation which need to be addressed, including the education sectors, criminal justice, faith groups, the internet and health service.

The UK has a system of threat levels which represents the likelihood of an attack in the near future. The five levels are:

  • Critical – an attack is expected imminently
  • Severe – an attack is highly likely
  • Substantial – an attack is a strong possibility
  • Moderate – an attack is possible but not likely
  • Low – an attack is unlikely.

The current threat level within the UK is determined as Severe.

The Government’s new counter-terrorism Bill places certain duties on further and higher education institutions in relation to the prevention of radicalisation and extremism. This policy seeks to ensure that Santos Training and Development meets the expectations of this legislation and have an integral part to play in adopting a set of shared ‘British values’ and promoting community cohesion.

The government’s own definition of extremism as contained within the Prevent strategy will be the definition used within this policy and is:

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.

 

Aims of the Prevent Policy

This policy has the following aims:

  • To promote and reinforce a set of shared values, founded on tolerance and respect for others.
  • To create a safe space for free and open debate.
  • To promote a sense of community cohesion both within Santos Training and Development and within its wider external community.
  • To ensure that learners are safe and that we create an environment that is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
  • To support learners who may be at risk from radicalisation and to be able to signpost them to further external sources of support where appropriate.
  • To ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities under this policy and they are able to recognise and respond to vulnerable learners.

This policy should be read in conjunction with Santos Training and Development Safeguarding Policy and the Equality and Diversity Policy.

 

Defining British Values

For the purposes of this policy British values will be defined as:

“democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different backgrounds, characteristics, beliefs and faiths”

This definition is a natural extension of the three core values of Respect, Responsibility and Professionalism.

 

Managing risks and responding to events

Embedding values within Santos Training and Development

Equality and Diversity, the values of respect and tolerance will be embedded within teaching and learning sessions. This will be supported by additional tutorials where necessary on a range of subjects that support values and values based decision making. Staff will encourage open and safe debate with support from specialist staff as and when required.

Coordination and overall responsibilities

The designated Safeguarding Officer will have overall responsibility for the coordination of any Prevent activity.

Partnership and working with other agencies

Santos Training and Development will engage with relevant external agencies such as local authorities, police and the Regional Prevent Coordinator. We will share information with external agencies as and when appropriate to safeguard learners.

Risk assessment

Santos Training and Development Safeguarding Officer will conduct a prevent risk assessment, this risk assessment and subsequent action plan, which will be reviewed annually, or sooner, if required.

Staff training

All Santos Training and Development employees are required to complete safeguarding training; this will also include the prevention of radicalisation and extremism awareness training. Training will provide staff with the ability to identify and understand the factors that make people vulnerable to being drawn into extremism and the knowledge of Santos Training and Development processes and procedures to report concerns. This will form a mandatory element of staff training both at induction and at quarterly meetings.

The distribution of leaflets and other literature within the Santos Training and Development

Any literature being distributed within Santos Training and Development from external agencies or by learners when this literature is not related to their training programme requires prior permission from the Quality Manager and/or Commercial Manager.

Speakers and events

Santos Training and Development actively seeks guest speakers and external agencies to assist and support in the learning experience.  However, we will refuse entry to those speakers whose values are contrary to Santos Training and Development own and who may be wishing to engage with Santos Training and Development as a way to promote extremist views.

Online safety

Santos Training and Development employs web filtering intended to stop learners accessing inappropriate material whilst on their premises. Santos Training and Development will continue to promote online safety and educate learners about safe and responsible internet use, embedded within their course programme.

Reporting concerns about vulnerable students

Any concerns related to learners who may be vulnerable to radicalisation should be reported using the Santos Training and Development safeguarding procedures.

Making a referral to Channel or other agencies

The designated Safeguarding Officer will make a decision as to whether concerns should be raised with an external agency.

 

Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for completing and maintaining training on preventing radicalisation and extremism and for making themselves aware of the procedures contained within this document.

The designated Safeguarding Officer has overall strategic responsibility for the implementation of this policy and for reporting concerns to external agencies as appropriate.