PREVENT DUTY POLICY

Accelerate International Academy Ltd (AIA)


Prevent Lead / Designated DSL: Kimberley Hatherall
Approved by: Senior Leadership Team
Version: 1.0
Review Cycle: Annual or following statutory updates
Effective From: 1st May 2026

 

1. Policy Statement

Accelerate International Academy Ltd (AIA) is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the statutory Prevent Duty Guidance.

AIA recognises its duty to safeguard learners, staff, and partners from the risk of radicalisation and extremist ideologies, and to promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to extremism and terrorism and are committed to ensuring that no individual associated with AIA is drawn into or supported towards extremist or terrorist-related activity.

This policy applies to all staff, learners, volunteers, contractors, subcontractors, and partners.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All AIA employees (permanent, temporary, freelance)
  • Senior leadership and governance structures
  • Volunteers and interns
  • Subcontractors and delivery partners
  • Suppliers where relevant to service delivery
  • Learners and programme participants

3. Definitions

Radicalisation

The process by which a person comes to support terrorism or extremist ideologies.

Extremism

Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Terrorism

The use or threat of serious violence against people or property to influence a government or intimidate the public for ideological, political, or religious purposes.

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

AIA’s Prevent Duty compliance aligns with:

  • Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • Prevent Duty Guidance for Further Education and Training Providers (HM Government)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • ESFA Funding Rules (where applicable)

5. Policy Aims

AIA aims to:

  • Safeguard learners and staff from radicalisation
  • Promote British Values across all programmes
  • Ensure staff can identify early signs of vulnerability
  • Provide clear reporting and escalation procedures
  • Maintain safe and inclusive learning environments
  • Work in partnership with external safeguarding and Prevent agencies

6. Responsibilities

6.1 Senior Leadership Team (AIA)

  • Ensure compliance with the Prevent Duty
  • Appoint and support the Prevent Lead (DSL or equivalent)
  • Ensure staff training and awareness is implemented
  • Oversee risk assessments and safeguarding frameworks
  • Engage with external partners where necessary

6.2 Prevent Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Act as the lead for Prevent-related concerns
  • Receive and assess referrals relating to radicalisation risk
  • Make referrals to Channel Panels where appropriate
  • Maintain secure records of concerns and actions
  • Liaise with police Prevent officers and local authority safeguarding teams

6.3 All Staff and Associates

  • Complete mandatory Prevent Duty training
  • Be alert to signs of radicalisation or vulnerability
  • Challenge extremist narratives appropriately where safe to do so
  • Report concerns immediately through safeguarding procedures
  • Promote British Values in all delivery

6.4 Subcontractors and Partners

  • Must comply with AIA Prevent Duty requirements
  • Must ensure staff are trained in safeguarding and Prevent awareness
  • Must report concerns to AIA safeguarding leads without delay
  • Must support referrals where required

7. British Values

AIA actively promotes and embeds British Values across all programmes:

  • Democracy
  • Rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

These are embedded through teaching, curriculum design, and organisational culture.

8. Risk Assessment

AIA recognises that risk factors for radicalisation may include:

  • Social isolation or vulnerability
  • Exposure to extremist online content
  • Personal crisis or identity struggles
  • Influence from peers or networks
  • Lack of positive role models or opportunities

Risk is managed through:

  • Safeguarding risk assessments
  • Learner induction and ongoing monitoring
  • Staff training and supervision
  • Safe digital practice and online safeguarding measures
  • Partnership working with external agencies

9. Training and Awareness

AIA ensures all staff receive:

  • Mandatory Prevent Duty training 
  • Safeguarding and child protection training
  • Guidance on identifying vulnerability indicators
  • Understanding of referral pathways (including Channel)

10. Indicators of Vulnerability

Staff should be alert to possible indicators such as:

  • Changes in behaviour, isolation, or withdrawal
  • Expressing extremist or intolerant views
  • Sudden interest in extremist ideology or propaganda
  • Accessing or sharing extremist online content
  • Increased anger, grievance, or persecution narratives
  • Identity confusion or personal crisis
  • Association with individuals promoting extremist views

These indicators do not confirm radicalisation but must be treated as safeguarding concerns.

11. Reporting and Referral Procedures

All concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding / Prevent Lead.

The Prevent Lead will:

  • Assess the level of risk
  • Decide whether intervention is needed internally or externally
  • Refer to Channel Panels where appropriate
  • In urgent cases, contact police Prevent officers directly

Emergency concerns must always be reported to the police.

12. Channel Programme

Where appropriate, AIA will engage with the Channel Programme, a multi-agency safeguarding initiative that provides support to individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

Participation is voluntary and focused on safeguarding and early intervention.

13. Use of Technology and Online Safety

AIA recognises the importance of safeguarding learners online. We:

  • Promote safe and responsible internet use
  • Monitor safeguarding risks in digital environments (where applicable)
  • Challenge extremist content where appropriate
  • Encourage critical thinking and media literacy

14. Whistleblowing

AIA encourages staff, learners, and partners to report concerns in confidence. No individual will suffer detriment for raising a concern in good faith.

15. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Information relating to Prevent concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis in accordance with safeguarding and data protection principles.

16. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be:

  • Reviewed annually or sooner if required
  • Updated in line with government guidance
  • Audited through safeguarding and compliance checks
  • Evaluated through staff training and incident reporting

17. Accountability

Ultimate responsibility for Prevent Duty compliance rests with the Senior Leadership Team of Accelerate International Academy Ltd (AIA).

Operational responsibility is held by the Designated Safeguarding / Prevent Lead.