Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Safeguarding Policy Page 1 of 8
Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Safeguarding Policy Policy Statement Semta Apprenticeship Service is committed to providing a secure environment for all Learners, where they feel safe and are kept safe. All staff at Semta Apprenticeship Service recognise that safeguarding is everyone s responsibility irrespective of the role they undertake or whether their role has direct contact or responsibility for learners or not. Background Context The purpose of this Policy is to provide everyone connected with Semta Apprenticeship Service with details of our position with respect to the safeguarding of learners and staff under the Prevent Duty. This Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Safeguarding Policy is one element within our overall Company arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of all Learners in line with our statutory duties. Semta Apprenticeship Service takes its responsibilities towards the prevention of extremism very seriously. This policy describes its approach in response to the Government s publication of its Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales in 2015, which is based on the requirements of Section 29 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This document should be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding policy. Company Ethos and Practice When operating this policy Semta Apprenticeship Service uses the following accepted Governmental definition of extremism which is: Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs; and/or calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our company, whether from internal sources learners, staff - or external sources - company community, external agencies or individuals. Our learners see our company as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our staff encourage and facilitate this we have a duty to ensure this happens. As a company we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for learners and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our learners. Extremists of all persuasions aim to develop destructive relationships between different communities by promoting division, fear and mistrust of others based on ignorance or prejudice and thereby limiting the life chances of young people. Education is a powerful weapon against this; equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking to challenge and debate in an informed way. At Semta Apprenticeship Service we will provide a broad and balanced programme, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our learners are enriched, understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity and also to ensure that they thrive, feel valued and not marginalised. Page 2 of 8
At Semta Apprenticeship Service we are aware that young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views from an early age which emanate from a variety of sources and media including via the internet, and at times learners may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language. Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by learners or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Learner Disciplinary Procedure and the Code of Business for staff. As part of Semta Apprenticeship Service s approach to Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity and the promotion of British values, we will ensure that all staff have the confidence to recognise the signs that a learner or colleague is at risk of radicalisation. We will do this by: Promoting Fundamental British values and by ensuring that there is a culture of openness within all delivery and teams. Challenging segregation, promoting cohesion and building learner resilience with the aim of our learners and staff contributing actively to wider society. Operating a clear and consistent anti-bullying approach which challenges harassment and discrimination and enables learners and staff to feel safe and supported. Providing support, advice and guidance for learners and staff who may be at risk. This may include referral to Channel, the process by which multi agency support is provided to individuals who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism. Ensuring that staff, learners and employers are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preventing radicalisation and extremism. Having a leadership team which actively promotes the core values of shared responsibility and well-being for learners and staff and ensures that these are at the centre of everything that we do. As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities staff will be alert to: Disclosures by learners of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of the learning environment, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where learners have not actively sought these out Graffiti symbols, writing or art work promoting extremist messages or images Learners accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites Changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance Learners voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives Use of extremist or hate terms to exclude others or incite violence Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our equalities policy, views based on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others Views that are against the ethos of fundamental British values Our company will closely follow any locally agreed procedure as set out by the Local Authority agreed processes and criteria for safeguarding individuals vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation. Page 3 of 8
Ethos and approach We will all strive to eradicate the myths and assumptions that can lead to some young people becoming alienated and disempowered, especially where the narrow approaches learners may experience elsewhere may make it harder for them to challenge or question these radical influences, this guidance and support be delivered in reviews. We will ensure that our support and approach will help our learners build resilience to extremism and give them a positive sense of identity through the development of critical thinking skills. We will develop strategies and provide staff training to ensure that all of our staff are equipped to recognise extremism and are skilled and confident enough to challenge it. We will be flexible enough to adapt our approach as appropriate and address specific issues so as to become even more relevant to the current issues of extremism and radicalisation. In doing so we will apply the key ingredients: Making a connection with young people through positive engagement and an Apprentice centred approach Facilitating a safe space for dialogue, and Equipping learners with the appropriate skills, knowledge, understanding and awareness for resilience This approach will be embedded within the ethos of our organisation so that learners know and understand what safe and acceptable behaviour is in the context of extremism. We will work with employers and local partners in our efforts to ensure our company understands and embraces our local context and values in challenging extremist views and to assist in the broadening of our Learners experiences and horizons. We will help support learners who may be vulnerable to such influences as part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities and where we believe a learner is being directly affected by extremist materials or influences we will ensure that that learner is offered mentoring. At Semta Apprenticeship Service we will promote the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. We will teach and encourage learners to respect one another and to respect and tolerate difference, especially those of a different faith or no faith. We recognise our responsibility to keep our learners safe and prepare them for life in modern multi-cultural Britain and globally. Accountability and responsibility Semta Apprenticeship Service s Designated Safeguarding Lead will be the Prevent Officer. Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads will deputise in the Prevent Officer s absence. The Designated Safeguarding Lead and the deputies, along with the Chief Operating Officer, will form Semta Apprenticeship Service s Channel Panel. This Panel will take responsibility for making decisions regarding referrals to the Governments Channel programme. All staff should be vigilant to extremist behaviour as a wider part of their safeguarding duties and report their concerns to the Prevent Officer. Referrals to Channel will be made via the Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with the Channel referral process. Page 4 of 8
Teaching and learning We will provide a curriculum that promotes fundamental British values with the view to encourage learners to participate in their local communities and use their voice to make positive changes. We will take every available opportunity to match curriculums to local priorities whist offering learners the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. We will use topical and relevant examples to stimulate thinking and actively tackle discrimination. Use and monitoring of ILT IT equipment provided to both staff and learners is subject to monitoring of its use. In addition to monitoring, filters are applied to restrict access to harmful content and to prevent people from being drawn into extremist behaviour. Inappropriate use must be reported to the Prevent Officer. Learner and staff support We will seek to actively safeguard all learners and provide welfare support at the point of need for learners identified to be at risk of harm as defined within Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015. We will implement anti-bullying strategies and challenge discriminatory behaviour. We will respond to identified community needs. We will actively narrow the achievement gap between different groups of learners. We will promote a culture of vigilance and operate a whistleblowing blowing procedure which includes reference to the Prevent agenda (see below). Managing and responding to risk We will ensure that there is a shared understanding amongst staff and learners as to the risks posed within the training environment by extremist behaviour by raising awareness through training and information sharing. Steps will be taken to mitigate the risk posed to staff/learners by individuals vulnerable to extremism on a case by case basis. Referrals to Channel will be made on a case by case basis and with consideration being made to the need for a multi-agency approach in advance of any referrals. We will ensure that there are plans in place which respond to any direct threats within our buildings. We will develop effective ILT policies which promote responsible use as well as seek to monitor usage. Risk assessments will be undertaken on any external speakers and clear guidance will be issued as to levels of acceptable behaviour whilst on site (see below). Where available, scripts will be approved before delivery to ensure that the content is consistent with fundamental British values and Semta Apprenticeship Service s approach to safeguarding. Page 5 of 8
All display materials, including externally produced leaflets and posters, will promote fundamental British values and have due consideration to the Equality Act. Semta Apprenticeship Service will only promote its services within organisations that share its values for the need to safeguard, promote equality and prevent extremist behaviour. Where required risk assessments will be undertaken to consider the appropriateness of venues before agreements are made to provide information and advice to individuals within that organisation. The culture of vigilance extends to Semta Apprenticeship Service s external relationships. Where employers with whom Semta Apprenticeship Service is engaged are found to be either in breach of the Equality Act or advocating extremist views or behaviour this will be addressed as a Safeguarding issue by the Designated Safeguarding Lead. External Agencies and Speakers At Semta Apprenticeship Service we encourage the use of external agencies or speakers to enrich the experiences of our Learners; however, we will positively vet those external agencies, individuals or speakers who we engage to provide such learning opportunities or experiences for our Learners. Such vetting is to ensure that we do not unwittingly use agencies that contradict each other with their messages or that are inconsistent with, or are in complete opposition to, our company values and ethos. We must be aware that in some instances the work of external agencies may not be directly connected with the rest of the programme so we need to ensure that this work is of benefit to learners. We will assess the suitability and effectiveness of input from external agencies or individuals to ensure that: Any messages communicated to learners are consistent with the ethos of the company and do not marginalise any communities, groups or individuals Any messages do not seek to glorify criminal activity or violent extremism or seek to radicalise learners through extreme or narrow views of faith, religion or culture or other ideologies Activities are matched to the needs of learners Activities are carefully evaluated by colleagues to ensure that they are effective We recognise, however, that the ethos of our company is to encourage learners to understand opposing views and ideologies, appropriate to their age, understanding and abilities, and to be able to actively engage with them in informed debate, and we may use external agencies or speakers to facilitate and support this, but we will maintain a balanced approach. By delivering a broad and balanced tutorial programme, augmented by the use of external sources where appropriate, we will strive to ensure our learners recognise risk and build resilience to manage any such risk themselves where appropriate to their age and ability but also to help learners develop the critical thinking skills needed to engage in informed debate. Whistle Blowing Where there are concerns of extremism or radicalisation Employers, Learners and Staff will be encouraged to make use of our internal systems to Whistle Blow or raise any issue in confidence. All adults working in Semta Apprenticeship Service (including visiting staff, volunteers, contractors, and learners on placement) are required to report instances where they believe a young person may be at risk of harm or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Person. Safeguarding reporting arrangements are set out fully in our Safeguarding Policy. Page 6 of 8
In Semta Apprenticeship Service the role of the Designated Safeguarding Person has been extended to include the responsibilities of the PREVENT strand of the Governments counterterrorism strategy, directing any disclosures through the CHANNEL where appropriate. Staff Awareness and Training The Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Deputies will attend a Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent (WRAP). Staff at all levels will be expected to undertake the ETF Prevent online training package and the College of Policing Channel General Awareness module relevant to their role and level within the business. The frequency of this training, and subsequent refresher training, will be dependent on each individual s role and will comply with the prevailing arrangements agreed by the Regulatory organisation and board. Mandatory Safeguarding Training will equip staff with the ability to recognise signs that a learner or colleague might be on the path to becoming radicalised and outline the process by which concerns should be raised. Semta Apprenticeship Service will actively promote our Prevent duty to staff and learners alike. Partnership working Semta Apprenticeship Service will work with the relevant FE/local Prevent Coordinators. Where available Semta Apprenticeship Service will attend local area Prevent meetings and respond to identified need. Where relevant, information sharing protocols will be developed with Prevent partners. Multi-agency support will be sought as part of Semta Apprenticeship Service s approach to early help for any individual felt to be at risk from or vulnerable to extremism. Recruitment The arrangements for recruiting all staff, (permanent and volunteers) to our company will comply with our Recruitment and Selection Policy and DBS checks will be undertaken at the appropriate level. References will be taken up and checked and a single central register of such vetting checks will be completed and maintained by Human Resources in accordance with data protection requirements. We will apply best practice and safer recruitment principles and sound employment practice in general and in doing so will deny opportunities for inappropriate recruitment or advancement. We are aware that individuals may seek to gain positions within our company in order to negatively influence our company character and ethos. We recognise our responsibility to prevent this happening and protect our learners. By applying best practice and vigilance within our company we will continuously strive to ensure that we eliminate the potential for this to happen. By adhering to best and safe practice recruitment techniques and ensuring that there is an ongoing culture of vigilance within our company and staff team we will minimise the opportunities for anyone attempting to impose extremist views or practices on others. Page 7 of 8
Responsibility for implementation of the policy The Head of Service is responsible for implementing and monitoring this Policy. Monitoring and Quality Assurance This policy will be reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead to assess its implementation and effectiveness. Access to policy documentation, advice and support This Policy is made available to all delivery staff in formats appropriate to the various audiences in Operations Manuals and information made available to the public via the Semta Apprenticeship Service. The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout Semta Apprenticeship Service without exception. Signature: Position: Chief Operating Officer Date: September 2016 Key Legislation and Documentation Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015) Prevent Strategy (2011) Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) Keeping Children Safe in Education (2015) Information Sharing (2015) Equality Act (2010) The Prevent Duty (2015) Page 8 of 8