What is Prevent?
Prevent – safeguarding individuals from radicalisation
Prevent is part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST). It focuses on safeguarding people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and supporting them before any crime is committed.
We work in partnership with schools, health, police, faith organisations, voluntary groups and others to identify and support individuals at risk. Prevent addresses all forms of extremism and terrorism, including Islamist, far-right, and other ideologies.
What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism or forms of extremism that may lead to violence or harm. This can happen gradually and may be influenced by peers, online content, or personal experiences.
Timely intervention can help individuals find positive alternatives and avoid being drawn into dangerous or criminal activity.
Identifying signs of radicalisation – guidance for professionals
As with other safeguarding concerns, radicalisation can be difficult to spot. The process is often gradual, and signs may overlap with other vulnerabilities.
Professionals may notice changes such as:
- Sudden disengagement from school, work, or usual activities
- Increased isolation or secrecy, including online behaviour
- Expressions of extremist views or intolerance towards others
- Fixation on conspiracy theories or rigid ‘us vs them’ thinking
- Justifying the use of violence or hate against certain groups
- A noticeable shift in identity, language, appearance, or peer group
- Attempts to access or share extremist content
These indicators do not confirm radicalisation — but they may suggest a person is at risk and would benefit from early support. As with all safeguarding concerns, trust your professional judgement and refer concerns appropriately.
Who can raise a concern?
Anyone can raise a concern, including:
- Teachers, social workers, GPs, and other safeguarding professionals
- Community and faith leaders
- Family members, carers, and friends
- Members of the public
If you have concerns about someone’s vulnerability to radicalisation, you should make a referral. Trained experts will assess the information and determine next steps.