Prevent

The UK Government has a range of policies and strategies to protect British citizens and the way of life enjoyed by those living across the UK from the threat of extremism and terrorist activities.

The Prevent Duties form part of this.

What is Prevent?

Prevent is a UK Government strategy that safeguards people and communities from the threat of all types of extremism and radicalisation, including terrorism.

Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on employers of apprentices to prevent them from being drawn into terrorism.

The Prevent strategy was published in 2011 and is part of a counter-terrorism strategy, called CONTEST. It aims to reduce the threat of terrorism in the UK by “stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.”

It has three objectives:

• Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
• Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
• Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address

Under the Prevent Duties, TSW has clear responsibilities in helping to prevent apprentices from being drawn into terrorism, promoting British values and challenging extremist ideas where they are used to legitimise terrorism.

What is terrorism?

Terrorism is the use or threat of action both in and outside of the UK, designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public, to advance a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.

What is extremism?

Extremism is a point of view that is beyond what’s considered acceptable in the mainstream.

The Government defines extremism in the Prevent strategy as: “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. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces”.

Read more about the definitions of terrorism, extremism and radicalisation on the government website.

During your learning programme there will be opportunities to explore and develop your understanding of British values.

The fundamental British values include:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

There will be an opportunity to reflect and identify how you demonstrate these values in aspects of your working life.

Be aware of radicalisation

Some apprentices may be vulnerable to being influenced by extremist views and of becoming radicalised in support of terrorism. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we may need to refer to external agencies to ensure any such apprentices can be effectively protected.

What are British Values?

#1 Democracy

Understanding that each individual has the right to make a choice and decision for themselves, their voice will be heard and listened to without making a judgement on that individual.

We encourage this by:

• The use of surveys and Learner voice questionnaires
• Self-Reflection on work submitted is taken into account 
• Learners are given ownership of their learning plan at each review session
• Using a variety of assessment methods offered to each learner on completing their work that suits their learning styles/ needs
• Offering optional units to suit the learner’s choice/ needs in relation to their job role

#2 Rule of Law

Understanding that each individual is accountable to adhere to legislations, policies and procedures. This is applied and enforced fairly. 

We encourage this by:

• Asking all learners adhere to the same framework and requirements set by the Government, however extra support is given when needed
• Almost every unit within your NVQ covers legislations, policies and procedures within the work sector

#3 Respect and Tolerance

Understanding and respecting that everyone has different beliefs, faiths and values. 

We encourage this by:

• Devising individual learning plans to suit each individual learner needs/ learning styles and to overcome any barriers
• All staff are diverse and are trained on understanding different beliefs and culture needs

#4 Individual Liberty 

Understanding that each individual is free to exercise their rights and beliefs. 

We encourage this by:

• Creating an appeals procedure in place where Learners can have their say on all areas of the NVQ practice/ feedback/ reviews if not in agreement with their Assessor

Safeguarding

TSW has a duty of care for all of our learners. Apprentices with good levels of wellbeing are able to participate in learning better and have more positive outcomes.

As you progress through your apprenticeship, there will be natural opportunities for wellbeing topics to be included, to allow you to develop a better understanding of how you can maintain your own wellbeing. We will work with you to support your wellbeing and at each visit, you will have the opportunity to raise any concerns you may have.

Safeguarding concerns include:

• Bullying (including bullying online)
• Impairment of health
• Inappropriate behaviour
• Neglect
• Radicalisation
• Risk of self-harm
• Unsafe working practices

Wellbeing concerns include:

• Bereavement
• Chronic health problems
• External agency support
• Family estrangement
• History of abuse
• Mental health issues
• Pregnancy/maternity
• Relationship breakdown
• Temporary accommodation

All training advisors and tutors are trained to identify signs and symptoms for the types of concern outlined above. It is not the training advisor’s or tutor’s role to address issues, but by being aware of such concerns, it allows us to support you better with your learning programme and to sign-post you to sources of support. Sometimes just talking about life issues can help in itself.

At TSW we have a safeguarding officer and a deputy who oversee the support provided to all apprentices. If you feel unable to speak to your training advisor or tutor, you can speak to the safeguarding officer or their deputy. Contact details are at the front of this handbook.

All matters are supported in line with confidentiality requirements. However, should it be felt that you are at risk of immediate harm or may be involved in criminality, we have a duty to ensure that such concerns are reported appropriately for your protection.