Prevent is part of the government’s national counter-terrorism strategy and aims to stop people being drawn into terrorism or supporting terrorism.

The University’s Prevent duty

Information and guidance about Prevent is published by the Office for Student (OfS).

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on the University to have “due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism”. In carrying out its duty, the University must adhere to Government Guidance which requires all universities to have policies and procedures covering external speakers and events, welfare and pastoral care, and IT usage, along with a staff training programme. It also makes clear that the approach to Prevent should be reasonable and proportionate. Compliance with the duty in England is monitored by the Office for Students (OfS).

The University’s approach to Prevent

The University’s Prevent Policy details the University’s process for handling safeguarding concerns which may fall within the remit of its Prevent duty. 

Should staff or students have Prevent-related safeguarding concerns about an individual they may report this via the University’s Report and Support Portal.
For general information about Prevent, such as training queries, an email can be sent to: prevent@bnu.ac.uk.

The university safeguarding team is responsible for managing situations where safeguarding concerns of this nature are raised, ensuring that effective action is taken and appropriate support put in place. In doing so, and where considered necessary and proportionate, the University works in partnership with the local authority, the Police, the Department of Education (DfE) and the Office for Students (OfS).

On an annual basis, the University submits an Accountability & Data Return (ADR) to the Office for Students (OfS) to demonstrate that it is having ‘due regard’ to the Prevent Duty. This is an evidence-based and risk-based assessment of the University’s compliance, ensuring that it has appropriate policies and procedures in place and that these are followed in practice.  

Events and external speakers?

The University’s Freedom of Speech (FoS) Policy sets out the responsibilities of the University and those of the event organisers (internal or external) when planning an event on campus or a University branded event off campus. It further sets out the University’s procedures when arranging meetings and other activities on the University’s premises which might be deemed controversial by the nature of the speakers present, or by the views which might be expected to be expressed.

Within this policy it also lays out the procedures for external events and procedures. If your event involves an external speaker, you must complete complete the External Speaker Form which is also available through the FoS Policy.

Prevent-specific safeguarding training

All staff at BNU are required to complete a prevent awareness module. Key staff such as the Safeguarding team also complete high level training in this area. 

Key contacts

If you have safeguarding concerns about an individual which you feel relate to the Prevent Duty, please report this via Report and Support, or if you would like to know more about the University’s approach to Prevent or possible training opportunities, please email prevent@bnu.ac.uk.