The Prevent Duty
Legal duties under the government's Prevent programme, which fall under the counter-terrorism strategy, were introduced for the first time in universities in England, Wales and Scotland on 18 September 2015. These duties are set out in statutory guidance accompanying the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. LSE, and all other universities, are required by law to prevent the risk of people becoming radicalised and drawn into terrorism. Since April 2018, the School is required to submit an annual return to the Office for Students (OfS) by 1 December each year, which evidences our compliance with the Prevent duty. Further details on the OfS guidance for providers can be viewed here.
The LSE takes a proportionate, risk based approach to the requirements of the Prevent duty. The Government Guidance on Prevent requires the School to include risk prevention measures in alignment with the Prevent duty in a number of its policies, including Safeguarding and Conditions of Use of IT Facilities. The School has robust guidance on safeguarding and ensures relevant staff receive training to carry out safeguarding duties in relation to Prevent. The School also has policies and procedures relating to external speakers and events on campus to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not encouraged towards terrorism. In addition, there are policies and procedures in place for the appropriate use of LSE IT equipment and infrastructure on and off campus.
The Prevent duty sits within existing safeguarding duties in place to protect students from potential harm. LSE seeks to ensure that staff, students and visitors to the School have a positive experience in an inclusive and welcoming environment free from harm where their wellbeing enables them to reach their full potential. We thus have an effective wellbeing and pastoral care system in place which provides various avenues of support for students experiencing difficulties. All relevant staff members receive training on how to recognise and respond to safeguarding and Prevent concerns.
The Prevent Group meets 3-4 times per year to discuss relevant matters relating to Prevent at the LSE and in the higher education sector. The Group also reviews the annual Prevent return to the OfS. Membership of the Group consists of colleagues from Student Services, Communications, EDI, Estates, Governance, Faith Centre and the Students’ Union.
How to raise a Prevent concern:
If you have a Prevent related concern about a student or staff member at LSE, please inform the School through any of the following routes:
1. Contact any of the following:
- Head of Student Services
- Deputy Head of Student Services
- School Secretary (Prevent Lead)
- Deputy Chief Operating Officer
2. For concerns about a student’s wellbeing or safety, you may complete the Cause for Concern form to inform the Student Wellbeing Service.
3. Through our Report and Support system