The Prevent Duty in 2024 - What’s new for Higher Education
The Prevent Duty, part of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy, has been a significant aspect of higher education policy since its introduction under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This duty requires higher education institutions (HEIs) to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism." Over the years, this duty has been subject to various updates and revisions. The latest changes, introduced in December 2023, bring several key modifications aimed at refining and enhancing the implementation of the Prevent Duty in higher education:
Enhanced Focus on Safeguarding and Welfare
One of the primary changes is a heightened emphasis on safeguarding and the welfare of students and staff. The new guidance requires institutions to integrate their Prevent Duty strategies more closely with existing safeguarding policies. This means more comprehensive training for staff, ensuring they can recognise and respond to signs of radicalisation alongside other safeguarding concerns.
Strengthening Accountability and Governance
The updated Prevent Duty guidelines call for stronger accountability mechanisms within HEIs. Institutions are now required to establish clear lines of responsibility for Prevent Duty implementation, including designated Prevent Leads at senior management levels. Additionally, governing bodies must regularly review and report on Prevent Duty compliance, ensuring that the institution's approach is transparent and robust.
Revised Risk Assessment Procedures
Risk assessment processes have been refined to better identify and mitigate risks associated with radicalisation. The new guidelines emphasize the need for a dynamic and ongoing risk assessment process, rather than a static, one-time evaluation. This includes regular updates to risk assessments based on the latest intelligence and emerging threats, ensuring that institutions remain vigilant and proactive.
Enhanced Partnerships and Collaboration
Collaboration with external partners, including local authorities, police, and community organisations, has been given greater importance. HEIs are encouraged to actively participate in local Prevent forums and share information to create a cohesive and coordinated approach to tackling radicalisation. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the strengths and resources of multiple stakeholders for a more effective Prevent strategy.
Focus on Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
The December 2023 changes reaffirm the importance of balancing the Prevent Duty with the principles of freedom of speech and academic freedom. Institutions are required to ensure that measures to comply with the Prevent Duty do not unduly restrict lawful debate and discussion. Clear guidelines have been provided to help institutions navigate this balance, emphasizing that the Prevent Duty should not be used to stifle legitimate academic discourse.
Increased Support for Students
There is a renewed focus on providing support to students who may be at risk of radicalisation. HEIs are now required to offer more accessible support services, including mental health resources and counselling, to help address underlying vulnerabilities that may lead to radicalisation. Institutions must ensure that students are aware of these services and feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma.
Enhanced Monitoring and Evaluation
The updated guidance introduces more rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes. HEIs must now regularly review the effectiveness of their Prevent Duty strategies and make necessary adjustments. This includes collecting and analyzing data on Prevent-related incidents and interventions, as well as seeking feedback from students and staff to inform continuous improvement.
The changes introduced in December 2023 signal a significant shift in how the Prevent Duty is to be implemented within higher education. Institutions must now adopt a more holistic approach, integrating Prevent strategies with broader safeguarding and welfare policies. This requires increased training for staff, stronger governance structures, and more active collaboration with external partners.
HEIs will need to allocate resources to support these changes, including investing in staff training, enhancing support services for students, and developing more sophisticated risk assessment and monitoring systems. While these changes may initially present challenges, they also offer an opportunity for institutions to create a safer and more supportive environment for their students and staff.
The December 2023 updates to the Prevent Duty reflect an evolving understanding of the complexities of radicalisation and the need for a comprehensive, balanced approach in higher education. By focusing on safeguarding, accountability, collaboration, and support, these changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Prevent Duty while maintaining the essential values of freedom of speech and academic freedom. For higher education institutions, this means a renewed commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of their community.
