Prevent

Prevent referrals must be submitted to the police. The police are duty bound to assess every Prevent referral and determine the most appropriate and proportionate response.

Once you have completed the referral form, it should be submitted directly to the police, either by you or through your organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Prevent lead or equivalent person.

When completing the form, provide as much relevant information as possible. This will help the police understand the concern and complete an informed assessment.

If there is an immediate risk of harm, a crime is being committed, or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

The Home Office have produced a video that provides a best practice guide for those completing Prevent referrals.

You can also contact the National ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764 to discuss concerns confidentially with trained officers.

Access the Prevent referral form (Opens in a new window)

Safeguarding concerns

A Prevent referral does not replace established children’s or adults’ safeguarding procedures.

If you are concerned that the person may also be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation or another safeguarding issue, you must make a separate safeguarding referral to the appropriate Hull City Council service. Do not assume that submitting a Prevent referral will automatically result in a referral to children’s or adults’ safeguarding services.

Concerns about a child or young person

If the person is under 18 and you have an additional safeguarding or early-help concern, you must make a separate referral to Hull City Council’s Early Help and Safeguarding Hub (EHASH).

EHASH is the route into Hull’s Early Help and Children’s Social Care services. It provides advice and support concerning children and young people who may be vulnerable, need additional help or be at risk of harm.

Concerns about an adult

If the person is aged 18 or over and you are also concerned that they may be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse or neglect, you must raise a separate concern with Hull City Council’s Adult Safeguarding service.

Advice is also available from the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub -

• Telephone - 01482 616 092
• Email - adultsafeguarding@hullcc.gov.uk

Hull City Council recommends discussing adult safeguarding concerns with the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, which can provide guidance and agree the appropriate next steps.

Anyone can raise a concern

Prevent concerns can be raised by professionals, family members, friends or members of the public.

Frontline professionals should follow their organisation’s safeguarding and Prevent procedures. Where available, they should discuss the concern with their Designated Safeguarding Lead, Prevent lead or equivalent person before submitting the referral.

When deciding whether to make a referral, professionals should consider whether the person may be on a pathway that could lead to terrorism and explain clearly -

• what they have noticed
• why the behaviour or circumstances are concerning
• any relevant changes in behaviour, language or online activity
• the context in which the concern arose
• what checks or conversations have already taken place
• any other vulnerabilities or safeguarding concerns

Providing specific, factual and relevant information supports an accurate police assessment. National guidance also recommends including sufficient detail about the behaviour, circumstances, potential ideology and any associated safeguarding needs.

Members of the public who are worried that someone may be at risk of radicalisation can visit ACT Early or contact the ACT Early Support Line for confidential advice.

After a Prevent referral

The police will assess the referral based on the information provided and the person’s individual circumstances.

Following assessment -

• the referral may be closed if no further Prevent action is required
• the person may be directed or signposted to another appropriate service
• further information may be requested from the referrer or relevant partners
• where appropriate, the person may be considered for support through Channel

The purpose of the assessment is to identify the most appropriate response to the concern and ensure that any action is necessary and proportionate.

Notice, Check, Share

If you are unsure whether to make a referral, use the Notice, Check, Share approach.

Notice

Notice changes in -

• behaviour
• language
• relationships
• interests
• online activity

that cause concern. Consider the person’s circumstances and whether there are signs that they may be susceptible to radicalisation.

Check

Check the context of the concern. Where it is safe and appropriate, this could include -

• speaking with the individual
• reviewing what is already known
• consulting a colleague
• speaking with your Designated Safeguarding Lead or Prevent lead
• seeking advice from the local Prevent team

Checking should help you understand the concern; it should not become an investigation or unnecessarily delay a referral.

Share

Share the concern through your organisation’s Prevent referral process. The completed referral must be submitted to the police, either directly or through your Designated Safeguarding Lead, Prevent lead or equivalent person.

Include as much factual and relevant information as possible. Clearly distinguish between -

• what you or others have seen or heard
• information reported by another person
• your professional judgement or interpretation

Additional advice

Detailed guidance about making a Prevent referral is available from the GOV.UK

You can also - 

• visit ACT Early for information and advice
• call the National ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764 to discuss a concern confidentially with a specially trained officer
• contact the Hull Community Safety and Prevent Team at Hullprevent@hullcc.gov.uk for local advice

Channel support in Hull

Channel is a voluntary, multi-agency safeguarding programme for people who are assessed as being susceptible to radicalisation and who may benefit from support.

Channel is not a criminal process, and receiving Channel support does not result in a criminal record. Support is tailored to the individual and may include -

• mentoring
• help with education, training or employment
• health or mental-health support
• support with relationships or social isolation
• specialist interventions intended to reduce vulnerability and build resilience

Hull City Council chairs the local Channel Panel, working with the police, health services, education and other relevant partners. The panel considers the individual’s needs and risks, decides whether Channel support is appropriate, and develops a proportionate support plan where support is accepted.

Participation in Channel is voluntary. Consent must be obtained before Channel support is provided.

Further information is available in the Channel factsheet.