Prevent
This information sets out the University’s responsibilities relating to the Government’s Prevent initiative.
It is for all staff, however, the material should be particularly relevant for staff working in the following areas:
- Advisors of Studies/ Personal Tutors;
- Faculty Professional Services staff;
- Communications team;
- Information Services/ Library;
- Estates and Security staff;
- Staff working within the Students’ Union, including Clubs and Societies;
- Sports Development;
- Student Support Services, including Chaplaincy and multi-faith representatives;
- Registry teams;
- International;
- Accommodation services.
If staff have concerns that a community member is at risk of being drawn into terrorism, please read the reporting protocol (viewable only to University of Stirling staff).
What is Prevent?
UK universities have a statutory duty, along with all other public bodies in the UK, in terms of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, ‘to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’.
Within universities, the term ‘Prevent’ refers to measures taken to safeguard members of the university community who might be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
What does this mean for universities?
It is the responsibility of each HEI to determine what measures it will take to address this statutory duty.
The Higher Education Prevent Working Group, made up of members of Senior Management from all Scottish Universities, was established by the Scottish University Secretaries in February 2015. The remit of the working group is:
- to develop guidance to assist the Scottish universities in meeting their statutory duty as per the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Read the Good Practice Guide;
- to be a forum for sharing good practices in addressing the statutory duty.
What does this mean for the University of Stirling?
The University has established a University Prevent Strategic Group, with responsibility in this area, Chaired by the University Secretary.
The University Prevent Strategic Group’s role is to ensure that the University addresses its statutory duty. It does this with reference to the Good Practice Guide that has been prepared by the Higher Education Prevent Working Group.
The University has a Prevent reporting protocol which staff are asked to follow where they have a concern that students may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism. This is accessible to University of Stirling staff only.
Important elements of the University Prevent Strategic Group’s work are to:
- maintain a shared awareness and understanding of the risks of radicalisation within the campus community;
- communicate to relevant staff the requirements and importance of the statutory duty;
- ensure that the statutory duty is addressed effectively;
- make decisions on sensitive matters that may arise in relation to Counter-Terrorism and Security.
Examples are:
- decide what action to take when concerns are raised that a member of the campus community may be being drawn into terrorism;
- decide whether to allow a controversial speaker to visit the campus and on what conditions.
Where, in relation to the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, members of staff and/or students raise concerns regarding the wellbeing of students, the invitation of potentially controversial speakers, or the staging of potentially controversial events, the University Prevent Strategic Group will provide advice and ultimately will make decisions on the University’s behalf.
What does it mean for me?
Many members of staff contribute to the provision of welfare and pastoral support to students. In cases where students are experiencing difficulties at university, a range of advice and support is available. This includes Student Support and the Students’ Union.
This support network is here to provide advice and guidance to all members of staff who engage with students and you are encouraged to make use of them in providing student support. Senior staff who have responsibility for student-facing services will receive training and briefings in relation to the Prevent duty.
The University has a Prevent Reporting Protocol which staff are asked to follow where they have a concern that students may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism. This is accessible to University of Stirling staff only.
If you have concerns that a student might be at risk of being drawn into terrorism, you can also seek advice from the Prevent Single Point of Contact, Head of Student Services, Development and Partnerships (Katie Perrin, katie.perrin@stir.ac.uk).
Data Protection
Where you are concerned about the wellbeing of a student, it is reasonable for you to share personal information about the student with a colleague whose role is to provide support.
Should you have concerns regarding sharing personal information, you should take advice from the University’s Data Protection Unit or contact data.protection@stir.ac.uk.
What training is available for staff?
The University has developed an online training course called Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe HE Campuses. Any staff member within the University, who provides welfare or pastoral support to students, will be required to complete the course.
In addition, the UK Government has a Prevent Awareness Course which takes 30 to 40 minutes to complete. On completion you will be able to:
- know what Prevent is;
- understand why Prevent is important;
- understand how Prevent applies to your role;
- identify the emotions and behaviours that might make someone susceptible to radicalisation;
- understand how to apply the notice, check, and share procedure.
More information and training
The Higher Education Prevent Working Group (including members of Senior Management from all Scottish Universities) has developed this guide to assist HEIs in deciding what measures are appropriate and, in doing so, to encourage the adoption of consistent good practices across the Scottish higher education sector.
- The University's protocol for managing speakers and events
- Good Practice Guide for Scottish HEIs
- Read guidance on identifying students at risk
- Read guidance on understanding radicalism
Contact
For more information, contact Katie Perrin, Single Point of Contact for Prevent and Head of Student Services, Development and Partnerships.