Preventing Radicalisation
Advice for professionals
Please note: if you need to report a crime that is in immediate progress or if someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.
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.
Prevent behaviours and vulnerabilities
Absent
Becoming physically or emotionally less present in usual settings, missing from normal routines, or seeming disengaged from relationships, education, work, or support networks. This may show as repeatedly withdrawing from activities they previously engaged in or becoming harder to account for than usual.
Changes in mood
Noticeable emotional shifts such as becoming more irritable, low, agitated, anxious, or emotionally volatile, especially where this is sudden or out of character. Mood changes may sit alongside increased anger, grievance, or a heightened sense that something is unfair or threatening.
Secretive behaviour
Being unusually guarded about phone use, online activity, who they are in contact with, or where they are going. This may include deleting messages, hiding screens, using coded language, or becoming defensive when asked straightforward questions.
Fixated on new ideas
Showing an intense, fast-developing interest in one issue, ideology, cause, or worldview, particularly where it becomes rigid, all consuming, or resistant to discussion. This can include an obsessive need for “something to be done” or a strong attachment to a simplified explanation for complex problems.
Change of language
Beginning to speak “as if from a script,” repeating slogans, using dehumanising, hateful, or exclusionary terms, or adopting language that sounds rehearsed rather than personally reflected. A change in tone can be as important as a change in the words themselves.
Outbursts of anger
More frequent or intense expressions of anger, indignation, or hostility, especially when linked to world events, identity issues, or perceived injustices. This may include becoming argumentative, intolerant of challenge, or emotionally charged in ways that are disproportionate to the situation.
Social withdrawal
Pulling away from family, friends, colleagues, or trusted professionals, and reducing involvement in ordinary social networks. This may present as isolation, loss of interest in usual friendships, or replacing previous support systems with a more closed or insular group.
Newfound confidence
Appearing suddenly more certain, purposeful, or emboldened, particularly after contact with a new group, ideology, or online community. This may look positive on the surface but can be concerning if it is accompanied by rigidity, intolerance, scripted speech, or a sense of superiority over others.
Being at a transitional time of life
Periods of change can increase susceptibility, such as moving school, starting college or university, changes in care arrangements, bereavement, family breakdown, job loss, or housing instability. During transitions, people may be more open to influence if they feel uncertain or uprooted.
Susceptibility to indoctrination
Some individuals may be more easily influenced because they are looking for certainty, approval, direction, or someone who appears to have answers. Radicalisers can exploit this by offering belonging, status, or a simple explanation for personal or social difficulties.
A need to dominate and control others
A desire for power, authority, or influence over other people can increase risk, especially where someone is drawn to messages about superiority, strength, or commanding respect. In some cases, this need may be linked to feelings of inadequacy or lack of status.
A desire for excitement and adventure
Some people may be vulnerable because they are drawn to risk, intensity, action, or the idea of being part of something dramatic or important. Extremist narratives can frame involvement as meaningful, heroic, or thrilling.
A desire for status
Wanting recognition, respect, influence, or significance can create vulnerability where extremist groups appear to offer admiration, rank, purpose, or belonging. This is particularly relevant if the person feels overlooked, powerless, or unsuccessful elsewhere.
A need for identity, meaning and belonging
Struggling with who they are, where they fit in, or what gives life meaning can make someone more open to groups that promise certainty, community, and purpose. UK safeguarding guidance repeatedly identifies belonging, and identity needs as important contextual vulnerabilities.
Feeling under threat
Feeling personally unsafe, culturally threatened, or under attack as part of a group or community can make someone more receptive to divisive or extreme messaging. This may be linked to fear, insecurity, community tensions, or exposure to conflict-related narratives.
Feelings of grievance and injustice
Perceived unfairness, humiliation, exclusion, discrimination, or anger about events in the UK or overseas can become a significant vulnerability when someone starts to search for blame, simple answers, or revenge. Radicalisers often exploit these feelings by offering an enemy, a cause, and a call to action.
