Prevent Duty

Prevent Duty - Working together to defeat terrorism

Recently the Government introduced the Prevent Duty Guidance for Further Education colleges to help reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism and to help people who may be at risk of being radicalised, supporting a terrorist organisation or becoming terrorists.

Terrorism is a real and serious threat to us all and we have seen that terrorists can strike at any time and any place without warning. Our focus at Gateshead College is to work with, for and on behalf of the students, staff and visitors we serve. We need the support and confidence of our communities to improve a two-way flow of information in order to identify those most vulnerable and in need of support and interventions. Our priority is to keep students, staff and visitors safe, by working together with key partner agencies and all our communities to tackle any extremism.

The media is full of news about acts of terrorism across the globe. Though there is not a single definition of what a terrorist looks like or what terrorists believe in, what is clear that terrorists do not represent the majority view of the faiths and/or cultures they claim to represent. Terrorist groups exploit vulnerable people to influence and transform them into sharing extreme views and ideologies and in some cases, to then support or even participate in terrorist groups or acts.

There is no place for extremist views of any kind at Gateshead College.

It is imperative that our students see our college as a safe place where they can discuss and explore controversial issues safely and in an unbiased way and where our staff encourage and facilitate this. As a college we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for our students. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our students.

If you have concerns about someone or just need advice, contact your local Prevent team on 101 ext.62957/62778 or [email protected]. It may seem insignificant, but your call could be vital. Trust your instincts – it could disrupt terrorist planning and save lives. Unusual activity or behaviour which seems out of place may be terrorist related - and anyone who notices such behaviour is being urged to pass on any information via the freephone hotline on 0800 789 321. Help and advice at Gateshead college is available in Student Services. Telephone 0191 490 2335 or email [email protected]