Our Prevent Policy, 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:
The UK has a system of threat levels which represents the likelihood of an attack in the near future. The five levels are:
The current threat level within the UK is determined as ‘Substantial’ and was updated 09/02/22. Empentis Training Solutions continue to monitor through relevant Agencies (MI5).
The Government’s new counter-terrorism Bill places certain duties on further and higher education institutions concerning the prevention of radicalisation and extremism. This policy seeks to ensure that Empentis Training Solutions meets the expectations of this legislation and has an integral part to play in adopting a set of shared ‘British values’ and promoting community cohesion.
The government’s 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 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.
This policy has the following aims:
This policy should be read in conjunction with Empentis Training Solutions Safeguarding Policy and the Equality and Diversity Policy.
For 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.
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.
The designated Safeguarding Officer will have overall responsibility for the coordination of any Prevent activity.
Empentis Training Solutions 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.
Empentis Training Solutions Safeguarding Officer will conduct a prevent risk assessment, this risk assessment, and subsequent action plan, which will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required.
All Empentis Training Solutions 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 Empentis Training Solutions processes and procedures to report concerns. This will form a mandatory element of staff training both at induction and at quarterly meetings.
Any literature being distributed within Empentis Training Solutions 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.
Empentis Training Solutions actively seeks guest speakers and external agencies to assist and support the learning experience. However, we will refuse entry to those speakers whose values are contrary to Empentis Training Solutions own and who may wish to engage with Empentis Training Solutions as a way to promote extremist views.
Empentis Training Solutions employs web filtering intended to stop learners from accessing inappropriate material whilst on their premises. Empentis Training Solutions will continue to promote online safety and educate learners about safe and responsible internet use, embedded within their course programme.
Any concerns related to learners who may be vulnerable to radicalisation should be reported using the Empentis Training Solutions safeguarding procedures.
The designated Safeguarding Officer will make a decision on whether concerns should be raised with an external agency.
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.
This is the PDF to go with this policy.
