Terrorism

The terrorism threat level published by the government shows the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK. Go to GOV.UK: terrorism and national emergencies to check the current threat level.

Prevent radicalisation

'Prevent' is a UK government programme that supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through 'radicalisation'. That is, through being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities.

'Prevent' does not target any one community. It deals with all forms of terrorism, including Islamist, extreme right-wing and a range of new threats.

Referrals

A Prevent referral can be made by anyone who is concerned that they, or someone they know, is at risk of radicalisation or being drawn into terrorism. This could be a family member, friend or colleague. The Prevent programme will not show up on any criminal record checks.

Go to GOV.UK: get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised.

When a person is referred, initial checks are made. If they are found not to be at risk of radicalisation, the case is immediately closed to Prevent. If they are found to be a security threat, they will be referred to the police for further investigation.

Our duty

By duty, along with other authorities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015: Schedule 6, we must have regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism – go to GOV.UK: Prevent duty guidance. Our Prevent policy and strategy are at the end of this page.

The Prevent duty is not for spying or surveillance. It does not place any restrictions on free speech. It is part of our full range of safeguarding duties to protect people from harm.

Prevent duty guidance for schools, educators and young people

Prevent duty guidance updated in 2023 places no new legal requirements or responsibilities on places of education, but there are changes that those working in education should know about. Go to GOV.UK: Prevent duty guidance.

For further guidance, go to:  

• Educate Against Hate: Prevent Duty guidance for early years and schools
• Educate Against Hate: Prevent Duty guidance for further education and skills providers
• Educate Against Hate: Prevent Duty guidance for higher education providers

Other advice and guidance online

ACT Early is a website providing advice, guidance and support for anyone who is concerned that someone they know may be at risk from being radicalised by terrorists or extremist content online.

Go to ACT Early – advice and guidance on how to deter radicalisation and terrorism.

Let's Talk About It is a website for parents and young people, providing practical help and guidance – including posters and pocket guides – to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Go to Let's Talk About It – working together to prevent terrorism.

Education Against Hate is a website that gives teachers, parents and school leaders practical advice and information on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.

Go to Education Against Hate.

Parents and carers who educate their child at home can get advice from our home education – prevention of terrorism page.

Communities defeat terrorism

You can help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity.

Our policy and strategy

The Southend, Essex and Thurrock (SET) Prevent Policy is a guide to help partnerships in all 3 local authority areas prevent radicalisation. The policy is maintained by Essex County Council.

You can download the latest policy from Essex Council Council: Prevent Duty – Extremism and Radicalisation.

Our strategy is published below.