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Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Prevent Duty – Bath Spa University

Safeguarding, Wellbeing and the Prevent Duty

As part of the UK Government's strategy to reduce terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 introduced a statutory duty on Higher Education Institutions to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". This legislation is called the Prevent Duty and applies to all forms of extremism, including the Far Right, Islamist groups and animal rights groups. Prevent is one of the Government's four strands of counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) and aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

The Office for Students, (OfS) is responsible for monitoring the compliance of individual universities to the duty. Guidance provided by the Government sets out the expectation that universities will have policies in place for external speakers and events, training of staff and welfare and pastoral care. It also explains that the approach to the Prevent Duty should be reasonable and proportionate in the context of the assessment of risk within the local environment.

Bath Spa University's approach to the Prevent Duty is fundamentally one of safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of our students and staff. The University established a Steering Group to ensure the statutory duty is addressed effectively. All Schools of study, Professional Services and the Students' Union are represented on the Steering Group.

At Bath Spa, Prevent work is coordinated within SWS (Student Wellbeing Services) and HR (Human Resources).

If you have any concerns that a member of the University community may be vulnerable to being radicalised, you should refer your concern.

Prevent lead contact: Sara Gallagher, Head of Student Wellbeing, s.gallagher@bathspa.ac.uk, Phone: 01225 875521

Arlene Stone, Director of HR: a.stone@bathspa.ac.uk, Phone: 01225 875554

What should I do if I am worried about someone?

Notice: Perhaps you've noticed a change in behaviour...are they becoming withdrawn, is acting differently? Maybe it's something they have said that's worrying you...Friends, peers, tutors or colleagues are often the first to notice if someone is experiencing difficulties.

Check: Don't ignore your concerns - check with others...they may also have noticed something. You could speak with the person directly, or talk to a peer/colleague/tutor/student wellbeing advisor to see if they share your concerns.

Share: If you continue to have concerns, share them! Contact Student Wellbeing Services if a student, or HR if a member of staff. They will be able to offer advice and guidance and have the responsibility for responding to concerns about student and staff wellbeing. 

Most concerns raised are not Prevent related and students and staff are assisted through usual University protocols - see below for links to relevant policies.

What will happen if I raise concerns that someone is at risk of being radicalised?

Be assured your concerns will be responded to appropriately, professionally and sensitively.

If there is no immediate risk:

  • The Prevent lead will conduct an initial assessment of the concern and if necessary will liaise with the University's Regional Prevent Coordinator
  • If a referral is not made to the Regional Prevent Coordinator, the individual may be offered assistance and support through the University - Student Wellbeing Services or HR
  • If a referral is made to the Regional Prevent Coordinator, our Lead Prevent Contact will discuss the case and share relevant information. The Regional Prevent Coordinator will conduct a vulnerability assessment and may decide to refer the case to Channel. Further information about Channel and referrals can be accessed in this UK government publication.

If there is immediate risk:

If there is immediate risk of harm to any member of the University community, or a crime has occurred, the emergency services and/or police will be informed.

More information

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