Understanding the Prevent Support Programme
One of the most common misconceptions about Prevent is that raising a Prevent concern automatically leads to a police investigation or criminal action.
In reality, many Prevent concerns are considered through a programme called Channel, which is designed to provide support to individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
Channel is a safeguarding-focused, multi-agency process that aims to identify risks early and provide support before concerns escalate.
Understanding how Channel works can help staff and students feel more confident about recognising concerns and seeking advice when needed.
What Is Channel?
Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme that forms part of the UK's Prevent framework.
Its purpose is to:
Identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or extremist activity.
The focus is on:
- Early intervention.
- Prevention.
- Support.
- Reducing vulnerability.
- Building resilience.
Channel is not designed to punish people for their views or beliefs.
Instead, it seeks to provide support where there are concerns about vulnerability to radicalisation.
Why Does Channel Exist?
Research has shown that people can sometimes become vulnerable to extremist influence because of a combination of personal circumstances, experiences and external influences.
Examples may include:
- Social isolation.
- Identity issues.
- Experiences of discrimination.
- Personal grievances.
- Mental health difficulties.
- Exposure to extremist narratives.
- Significant life events.
- Online influences.
Channel exists to help provide support before vulnerabilities develop into more significant risks.
Who Can Be Referred To Channel?
Channel is not restricted to a particular group of people.
Referrals may involve:
- Children.
- Young people.
- Adults.
- Students.
- Staff.
- Members of the wider community.
Anyone can be referred if there are concerns that they may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
Does A Channel Referral Mean Someone Is A Terrorist?
No.
This is one of the most important points to understand.
A Channel referral does not mean:
✗ A person is a terrorist.
✗ A person has committed a criminal offence.
✗ A person supports terrorism.
✗ A person will automatically enter the Channel process.
A referral simply means:
Someone has identified concerns and believes they should be assessed by appropriately trained professionals.
Many referrals do not progress to Channel support following assessment.
What Happens When A Concern Is Raised?
Within a our University of Wolverhampton setting, concerns should be raised through the University's safeguarding arrangements.
The University will then:
- Review the information provided.
- Consider the nature of the concern.
- Assess any identified risks.
- Seek additional information where appropriate.
- Determine whether further action is required.
Most concerns are resolved at this stage without any Channel involvement.
How Are Channel Referrals Assessed?
Where a referral is made to Prevent partners, an assessment will be undertaken to determine whether:
- A vulnerability exists.
- Radicalisation concerns are present.
- Support may be beneficial.
- Other forms of intervention are more appropriate.
The assessment considers the individual's circumstances rather than focusing solely on behaviours or opinions.
What Is A Channel Panel?
If a case progresses into Channel, it is considered by a multi-agency Channel Panel.
The panel may include representatives from:
- Local Authorities.
- Education providers.
- Health services.
- Police.
- Safeguarding professionals.
- Other relevant agencies.
The purpose of the panel is to:
- Assess risk.
- Understand vulnerabilities.
- Identify support needs.
- Develop an appropriate support plan.
The focus remains on safeguarding and support.
Is Channel A Criminal Justice Process?
No.
Channel is not:
✗ A criminal investigation.
✗ A disciplinary process.
✗ A prosecution process.
✗ A punishment programme.
The purpose is to provide support where there are concerns about vulnerability to radicalisation.
Whilst police may be involved in Prevent arrangements, Channel itself is designed as a safeguarding intervention.
Is Participation Voluntary?
In most circumstances, yes.
Channel support is generally voluntary.
This means individuals are normally asked whether they wish to engage with the support being offered.
The aim is to work with individuals rather than impose support upon them.
What Support Might Be Offered?
Support plans vary depending on the individual's circumstances.
Examples may include:
- Mentoring.
- Educational support.
- Mental health support.
- Employment support.
- Community-based support.
- Diversionary activities.
- Resilience-building interventions.
There is no standard package of support.
Support is tailored to individual needs and identified vulnerabilities.
What Is The University's Role?
Universities play an important role in Prevent and Channel arrangements.
This may include:
- Identifying concerns.
- Supporting students and staff.
- Participating in risk assessments.
- Sharing information appropriately.
- Attending multi-agency discussions where required.
- Continuing welfare and safeguarding support.
The University's role is not to investigate terrorism.
Its role is to identify concerns, assess risks and ensure appropriate support and referrals are considered.
What Happens If A Referral Does Not Meet The Threshold?
Not all concerns meet the threshold for Channel.
In many cases, assessment may identify alternative support needs such as:
- Mental health support.
- Wellbeing services.
- Safeguarding interventions.
- Student support services.
- Community support.
This is why Prevent is often described as a safeguarding and vulnerability framework rather than solely a counter-terrorism process.
Common Myths About Channel
"Channel is a criminal investigation."
False.
Channel is a safeguarding and support programme.
"Channel gives people a criminal record."
False.
Participation in Channel does not create a criminal record.
"Channel only applies to one religion or community."
False.
Channel applies to concerns relating to all forms of terrorism and extremist violence.
"A referral means someone is guilty of something."
False.
A referral simply means concerns have been identified and require assessment.
"Channel is about spying on people."
False.
Channel is about understanding vulnerability, assessing risk and offering support where appropriate.
Channel, Safeguarding and Early Intervention
Many people benefit from support because concerns are identified early.
Like other safeguarding processes, Channel focuses on:
✓ Prevention.
✓ Early intervention.
✓ Support.
✓ Risk reduction.
✓ Partnership working.
The aim is to help protect individuals and communities from harm before risks escalate.
Key Message
Channel is a voluntary, multi-agency safeguarding programme that forms part of the Prevent framework.
Its purpose is to support individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or extremist activity through early intervention, risk assessment and tailored support.
A Channel referral does not mean someone is a terrorist, has committed a crime or will face punishment. It simply means concerns have been identified and assessed so that appropriate support can be considered where needed.