Preventing Radicalisation

Prevent forms part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy CONTEST and is aimed at stopping people becoming terrorists by challenging the spread of extremist ideology, preventing vulnerable individuals from being drawn in by it and working with a wide range of sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation.

Prevent is not about catching terrorists or spying on communities. It is about identifying people who may be at risk of radicalisation and supporting them to change direction in a way that will help them. Prevent covers all forms of potential terrorism, such as the far right, Irish republican, Islamist extremism, left wing, animal rights and others.

Spotting the signs

Prevent aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Please note: a referral should be made if there is concern that a person may be on a pathway that could lead to terrorism. Please refer to the Key Principles of Prevent if you are considering making a referral.

You should also consult with your organisation’s designated safeguarding lead and follow the Notice Check Share Principles.

Making a referral

When you are ready to make a referral, you should use the National Referral Form. Please complete the Prevent referral form using your own wording and avoid the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot

Once you have completed the referral form, you should email the completed version to CTPNW.Merseyside@merseyside.pnn.police.uk.

If you are referring a child to Prevent you should also send the referral form to our team at i-ART@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

Merseyside Police have a dedicated Prevent team who can be contacted in office hours should you need advice prior to submitting your referral:

• phone: 0151 777 8506 
• email: prevent@merseyside.police.uk

What happens next?

If the referral progresses and it is assessed that there is a genuine risk of radicalisation, the case is considered by a multi-agency ‘Channel panel’ of professionals who collectively assess the case and decide on a tailored package of support that can be offered to the person.

The Channel panel is chaired by the local authority and can include a variety of partners such as the police, children’s services, social services, education professionals and mental health care professionals.

What kind of support is offered via Channel?

If a Channel intervention is required, a tailored support package will be offered. This could include mentoring, theological guidance, education, and careers assistance to those assessed as being at risk of radicalisation and requiring support. This is known as Channel in England and Wales, and Prevent Multi-Agency Panels (PMAP) in Scotland.

Channel is voluntary and people who are referred to Prevent must give consent (via a parent or guardian if they are underage) before they can be given support.

If a person does not engage with Channel or decides not to continue with the process for any reason, alternative forms of support may be available from the local authority or other providers. Any risks are then carefully managed by the police.