Safeguard-Me Blog 2026

Understanding and Implementing the Prevent Duty in 2026

2025-12-17 15:20

Prevent is better than a cure

Prevent is a safeguarding duty. In 2026, the challenge is doing it well: recognising risk early, responding proportionately, and protecting inclusion and trust. This article covers:
  • What Prevent is (and what it isn’t);
  • Common indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation;
  • How to respond when you’re worried;
  • What good staff training looks like;
  • How to handle referrals and support pathways; and
  • How to record concerns safely and consistently.

Our detailed Q&A section answers common Prevent questions to support consistent practice.

Prevent: a safeguarding lens, not a political one

Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, but for schools and child-facing organisations it should be treated as safeguarding: identifying vulnerability, reducing risk, and supporting the individual.
The aim is not to label someone as a “terrorist”. The aim is to notice when someone may be vulnerable to harmful influence, and to act early.

1) What Prevent is (and what it isn’t)

Prevent is:

  • Early identification of vulnerability to radicalisation
  • Proportionate action and support
  • Partnership working with safeguarding leads and relevant agencies

Prevent isn’t:

  • A reason to target a faith, ethnicity, or political view
  • A replacement for normal safeguarding procedures
  • A “one-size-fits-all” checklist
Good Prevent practice is evidence-led, calm, and consistent.

2) Vulnerability to radicalisation: what to look for

There is no single profile. Focus on patterns and changes over time.

Possible indicators (context matters)

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, friendship groups, or identity
  • Increased secrecy around online activity
  • Fixation on extremist narratives or conspiracy content
  • Use of dehumanising language about groups of people
  • Expressing support for violence as a solution
  • Isolation, bullying, grief, trauma, or mental health stressors
Important: indicators are prompts to explore, not proof.

3) The role of online spaces in 2025

Online content can accelerate radicalisation pathways through:
  • Algorithm-driven content loops
  • Private group chats and encrypted messaging
  • AI-generated propaganda and impersonation
  • Grooming-style engagement (attention, belonging, “mission”)
Safeguarding response needs to include digital context: what platforms, what content, what contact, and what impact.

4) What to do when you’re concerned (a practical response flow)

When a concern arises, your job is to respond like any other safeguarding issue.

A simple response flow

  1. Notice and record: facts, dates, exact language used
  2. Consult: speak to your DSL/safeguarding lead promptly
  3. Assess risk: immediate danger vs emerging vulnerability
  4. Support: pastoral check-ins, safe adults, family engagement where appropriate
  5. Escalate/referral: follow local Prevent/Channel pathways if needed
  6. Review: monitor, update records, adjust support plan
This is where digital safeguarding records help: they keep a clear chronology and reduce reliance on memory.

5) Staff training: what “good” looks like

Prevent training shouldn’t be a tick-box.

Minimum training outcomes

  • Staff understand Prevent as safeguarding
  • Staff know how to record concerns factually
  • Staff know who to escalate to (and how quickly)
  • Staff can discuss inclusion and bias openly
  • Staff can handle a disclosure calmly
Practical tip: include scenarios (online content, peer influence, identity questions) and practise the escalation route.

6) Balancing safeguarding with inclusion

Poor Prevent practice can damage trust. Strong practice protects inclusion.

Principles that help

  • Focus on vulnerability and risk, not identity
  • Use evidence and patterns, not assumptions
  • Keep language neutral and factual
  • Involve families where safe and appropriate
  • Ensure the child/young person feels supported, not punished

7) Recording and evidence: protect the person and protect your team

Prevent concerns can be sensitive. Records should be:
  • Factual (what was said/done)
  • Timely (same day where possible)
  • Proportionate (only relevant details)
  • Secure (controlled access)

Q&A: common Prevent Duty questions

Q1: Is Prevent the same as safeguarding?

Prevent sits within safeguarding practice. It’s about early identification of vulnerability and proportionate support.

Q2: Do we need “proof” before we raise a Prevent concern?

No. You raise a concern when you notice patterns or indicators that suggest vulnerability. Record facts and escalate to your DSL.

Q3: What should we write in our records?

Dates, times, exact words where possible, observed behaviour, context, actions taken, and who you informed. Keep it factual and avoid assumptions.

Q4: What if we’re worried about bias or stereotyping?

That’s a valid safeguarding concern in itself. Use a vulnerability lens, focus on evidence, and discuss with your DSL. Training and reflective practice are key.

Q5: Should we tell parents/carers?

Often yes, where it’s safe and appropriate. If informing parents increases risk or could compromise safety, follow safeguarding guidance and document your rationale.

Quick checklist: Prevent Duty in practice

  • Staff understand Prevent as safeguarding
  • Clear escalation route to DSL/safeguarding lead
  • Concerns recorded promptly in digital safeguarding records
  • Training includes scenarios and inclusion principles
  • Online context considered in assessments
  • Safeguarding software supports secure, consistent recording and handovers