UCL and the new Prevent Strategy

As part of the government's strategy to reduce terrorism in the UK, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (the Act) introduced a package of measures aimed at countering the risk of terrorism and radicalisation.

Part 5 of the Act deals with the risk of people being drawn into terrorism and introduced the statutory 'Prevent' duty for a range of public and other bodies. Relevant higher education bodies became subject to the new 'Prevent' duty on 18 September 2015.

The Duty guidance makes it clear that all bodies will be expected to carry out a 'Prevent' risk assessment and develop an action plan covering staff training arrangements and a range of other topics. Guidance specifically for the HE sector highlights in particular those policies and procedures for managing events on campus, arrangements for welfare and chaplaincy support, and policies relating to the use of IT equipment as well as the need to be able to demonstrate an awareness of/give due consideration to any perceived risk through three themes: leadership; working in partnership; and appropriate capabilities.  Compliance with the Duty will be monitored by HEFCE.

In advance of the Act UCL has established an internal network of colleagues from those areas most likely to be involved with the development or implementation of UCL's own Action Plan and, as part of the London Higher Education Prevent Network, we are also working with colleagues from other London HEIs to identify current levels of engagement with Prevent and to highlight examples of best practice at our universities.  

Please email Andy Saffery (UCL Student & Registry Services) at a.saffery@ucl.ac.uk with any queries you may have. Further information on the Guidance can be found at the link below:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance#history