Radicalisation
What is Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support terrorism or extremist ideologies associated with terrorism.
Radicalisation is a safeguarding concern because it may place individuals and others at risk of harm, exploitation, or criminal activity.
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the UK’s counter‑terrorism strategy. Its aim is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
The Prevent Duty (under the Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015) requires specified authorities, including local authorities, health, and police, to have “due regard” to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
Key objectives of Prevent:
- Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism
- Intervene early to support individuals at risk
- Enable disengagement and rehabilitation
Radicalisation as a Safeguarding Issue
Radicalisation should be understood through a safeguarding lens, particularly where individuals:
- Have care and support needs
- Are vulnerable due to trauma, isolation, or unmet needs
- May be subject to coercion, exploitation, or grooming
This aligns with:
- Care Act 2014 safeguarding duties (adults)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Multi‑agency safeguarding responsibilities
Signs of Possible Radicalisation
There is no single profile. Indicators may include:
Behavioural changes
- Increased isolation or withdrawal
- Fixation on a particular ideology or issue
- Becoming closed to alternative viewpoints
Emotional indicators
- Increased anger, grievance, or feelings of injustice
- Sense of belonging linked to extremist narratives
Social and environmental factors
- Association with new groups or networks
- Increased use of online platforms linked to extremist content
Communication
- Use of language supporting extremist views
- Scripted or rehearsed narratives
Important: These indicators must be considered in context. They are not evidence of radicalisation on their own.
Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP)
Responses to radicalisation should reflect MSP principles:
- Focus on the individual’s experiences, wishes, and outcomes
- Use strengths‑based and trauma‑informed approaches
- Recognise rights, dignity, and proportionality
- Avoid stigmatisation or discriminatory assumptions
What to Do if You Have a Concern
If you are concerned that an adult may be at risk of radicalisation:
1. Immediate Risk
- If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999)
2. Safeguarding / Prevent referral
- Contact Adult Social Care: 01925 443322
- Out of hours: 01925 444400
- You may also contact Police (101) for non‑emergency advice
3. Consider Prevent / Channel referral
- Early referral is encouraged where there is concern about vulnerability to radicalisation
- Do not wait for evidence of criminal activity
4. Record and share
- Record concerns clearly
- Share information proportionately in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements
Channel Panel
Channel is a multi‑agency safeguarding programme that provides support to individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism.
- Participation is voluntary
- Focuses on early intervention and support, not punishment
- Involves multi‑agency assessment and tailored support plans
Information Sharing
Information sharing must be:
- Necessary and proportionate
- In line with:
- Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
- Safeguarding legislation
- Clearly recorded with rationale
Multi‑Agency Working
Effective prevention requires coordinated working across:
- Adult Social Care
- Children’s Services
- Health
- Police
- Education and community organisations
Prevent sits alongside wider safeguarding processes and must be integrated into existing multi‑agency pathways.
Further information:
For further information about the Prevent referral process view the prevent referral pathway document (below).
If you have any questions about filling in the form, please call: 01606 362121 (Cheshire Police Prevent Team)
Warrington Prevent Referral Form
Warrington Prevent Referral Pathway July 2024
Warrington Prevent Strategy 2024
About Channel Panel +
Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The programme uses a multi-agency approach to protect vulnerable people by:
- identifying individuals at risk;
- assessing the nature and extent of that risk; and
- developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned.
Channel may be appropriate for anyone who is vulnerable to being drawn into any form of terrorism. Channel is about ensuring that vulnerable children and adults of any faith, ethnicity or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those that would want them to embrace terrorism, and before they become involved in criminal terrorist related activity.
A clear process is in place to ensure that the right people are referred to the panel. If a referral is made, an initial risk assessment is carried out to ensure that it is an appropriate referral and, if it is, the Channel Panel agrees an appropriate support plan. Taking part in Channel is voluntary.
For more information about the Channel Panel click here
Training +
An e-learning module developed by HM Government offers an introduction to the Prevent duty, and explains how it aims to safeguard vulnerable people from being radicalised to supporting terrorism or becoming terrorists themselves.
As introductory training it will provide an important foundation on which to develop further knowledge around the risks of radicalisation and the role that you can play in supporting those at risk.
This training addresses all forms of terrorism and non-violent extremism, including far right wing and Islamist extremism threatening the UK.
You can access the e-learning by first of all registering via the following link here.
Further Information +
Home Office: Prevent Duty Guidance
Counter Terrorism Policing Helpful Advice - This document is intended to assist you to identify and respond to Suspicious behaviour, identify and deal with suspicious Items and respond to a firearms or weapons attack.
Counter Terrorism Policing - helpful advice (178.2 KB)
You can also visit ProtectUK | Home
Reporting internet terrorist or extremist related information
The National Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) initiative allows anyone with any concerns, about terrorist or extremist-related material found on the internet, to report them anonymously online.
For concerns about the radicalisation of children you can get advice from the following websites:
Childline
NSPCC
Educate against hate