Prevent Policy
Empentis Training Solutions
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Introduction and Context

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:

  • 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 ‘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.

The Aims of our 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 Empentis Training Solutions 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 can recognise and respond to vulnerable learners.

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

Defining British Values

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.

Managing risks and responding to events

Embedding values within Empentis Training Solutions

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

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.

Risk assessment

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.

Staff training

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.

The distribution of leaflets and other literature within the Empentis Training Solutions

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.

Speakers and events

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.

Online safety

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.

Reporting concerns about vulnerable students

Any concerns related to learners who may be vulnerable to radicalisation should be reported using the Empentis Training Solutions safeguarding procedures. 

Making a referral to Channel or other agencies

The designated Safeguarding Officer will make a decision on 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.

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This is the PDF to go with this policy.

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