/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/about-us/safeguarding/Safeguarding-Banner.png)
Safeguarding from Radicalisation (Prevent)
The University is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students and staff, and to meeting its duties under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the UK Government's associated Prevent strategy. This places responsibility on higher education institutions to "have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism"
The government have issued guidance for HEIs
Universities UK guidance states that:
"Universities must balance a wide-ranging set of responsibilities. Universities are open institutions with a legal obligation to promote and facilitate academic freedom and freedom of speech. However, these are qualified rights. However, section 31 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act states, that in meeting the statutory duty, higher education institutions must have particular regard to the duty to ensure freedom of speech and the importance of academic freedom."
OFS Compliance
Monitoring of compliance is the responsibility of the Office for Students. They publish the Prevent Duty.
Whilst there is low risk of extremist activity at the University, our duty of care to students and staff is of the utmost importance.
Prevent Lead Contact is Mr Sam Dale - Director of Student Support and Wellbeing. Contact number 0191 3346120 or email - director.wellbeing@durham.ac.uk
What should I do if I have a concern?
Notice
Are you concerned about someone? Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in behaviour; are they becoming withdrawn, or acting differently? Maybe it’s something the person has said that’s worrying you. Staff in front-line support roles will often be the first to notice if a student is experiencing difficulties or colleagues if the person is a member of staff
Check
Don’t ignore your concerns – check with others who may also have noticed something. You could speak to the person directly, or talk to colleagues/academic tutors, to see if they share your concerns.
Share
If you are still worried about the person, please see the Safeguarding Against Radicalisation: What to do in the event of a concern flowchart. We will be able to offer support and guidance to the individual.
Training
An online e-learning course, “Safeguarding from Radicalisation” is available on Oracle Learning. You can access the course via this link here. The course is open to all staff, and provides an overview of what the Prevent Duty is, how it applies to Durham University and our responsibilities under it, and what all our members need to be aware of.
Freedom of Expression Code of Practice
This is the core document that the University uses to facilitate its approach to managing the risks around external speakers. The code of practice sets out the University’s commitment to academic freedom and the promotion and encouragement of free expression amongst its staff, students and visitors.