Prevent Policy

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC

Company number 17051741

Prevent Policy

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1. Statement of Intent

Walsall Community Active Projects CIC is committed to safeguarding everyone who takes part in our activities from being drawn into terrorism or violent extremism. We support the aims of the UK Government's Prevent Strategy and treat the risk of radicalisation as a safeguarding issue.

Although community interest companies are not formally subject to the Prevent duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, we adopt the Prevent duty as good practice because we work in close partnership with schools, local authorities, the police and other bodies that are bound by it.

2. What is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the UK Government's counter-terrorism strategy. Its goal is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It focuses on early help, similar to safeguarding work around child sexual exploitation, gangs and county lines.

Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism, including:

• Islamist extremism
• Extreme right-wing extremism
• Northern Ireland-related terrorism
• Other forms of violent extremism, including single-issue extremism

Prevent is not about restricting free speech or targeting any one community. It is about protecting vulnerable people from being exploited by those who promote violence.

3. Why This Matters to Walsall CAP

Our work brings us into contact with children, young people and adults who may be at greater risk of being targeted by extremists, including those:

• Disengaged from school or training
• Experiencing isolation, loss or family difficulties
• Affected by mental health issues, low self-esteem or identity struggles
• Already involved in or on the edge of crime, gang activity or anti-social behaviour
• Spending significant time online in unsupervised spaces

We have a moral and safeguarding duty to recognise concerns early and respond well.

4. Recognising Signs of Radicalisation

Possible signs include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour, beliefs or appearance
• Becoming withdrawn or argumentative on political, religious or social topics
• Expressing extreme views about a particular group
• Justifying the use of violence to solve problems
• Sharing or seeking out extremist content online
• New contacts or relationships that seem to influence behaviour rapidly
• A sense of grievance, victimhood or wanting revenge
• Increasing secrecy, especially around online activity

No single sign means a person is being radicalised. Staff and volunteers will use professional judgement and consider the wider context.

5. Our Approach

We will:

• Create welcoming spaces where everyone feels respected and able to talk
• Build trusting relationships through sport, mentoring and group work
• Talk openly about identity, belonging, faith, difference and disagreement
• Challenge extremist views and conspiracy theories calmly and respectfully
• Promote critical thinking, especially around online content
• Work in partnership with schools, the local authority and the police where needed

6. Reporting Concerns

Any concern that a person may be at risk of radicalisation must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) without delay.

The DSL will:

• Discuss the concern in confidence with the staff member or volunteer
• Take advice from the local authority Prevent team and the Police Prevent team where needed
• Decide whether a referral to the Channel programme is appropriate
• Keep accurate, secure records

In an emergency, where there is an immediate threat to life, staff will call 999.

7. Channel

Channel is a voluntary, multi-agency support programme for people identified as being at risk of radicalisation. It provides tailored support, which may include mentoring, education and access to specialist services.

Channel referrals are not a criminal process. The person being referred must consent to receiving support (or, for children, parental consent is sought where appropriate).

8. Working with Partners

We will:

• Cooperate fully with the local authority, the police, schools and other partners on Prevent matters
• Attend multi-agency meetings where invited
• Share information appropriately, in line with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policies
• Follow guidance from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit

9. Online Safety

Much radicalisation happens online. We will:

• Include online safety in our work with young people
• Talk openly about misinformation, conspiracy theories and extremist content
• Signpost participants and families to trusted resources, such as Internet Matters and Childline
• Report harmful online content to the relevant platform and, where appropriate, to the police

10. Training

All staff, volunteers and trustees will complete basic Prevent awareness training (such as the free Home Office 'Prevent Duty Training') as part of induction, refreshed at least every two years. The DSL and Deputy will complete more in-depth training and stay up to date with West Midlands guidance.

11. Free Speech and Respect for Difference

Prevent does not stop people having strong opinions, debating difficult subjects or following any particular religion or political view. We will continue to encourage open, respectful debate. Our concern is only with behaviours and beliefs that promote violence or hatred.

12. Useful Contacts

• Police anti-terrorism hotline: 0800 789 321
• Emergencies: 999
• West Midlands Police (non-emergency): 101
• Walsall Council Prevent Team: contact through Walsall Council switchboard
• ACT Early (advice for families): actearly.uk

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Policy Review

This policy was adopted on 14 February 2026 and will be reviewed annually, with the next scheduled review in February 2027. It will also be reviewed earlier if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or our activities.

All staff, volunteers and trustees will be made aware of any updates and asked to confirm they have read and understood the revised version.

Signed on behalf of the Board