CARDIFF UNIVERSITY PREVENT POLICY
Introduction
There is a statutory imperative that we set out the measures we will take in accordance with
provisions in the Counter-Terrorism Act 20151 as they apply to higher education providers. We have
set out separately to this document the University policy with regard to Equality and Diversity,
including Religion and Belief, and Freedom of Speech2; these policies compliment this strategy and
the related action plan.
Encouragement of terrorism and/or soliciting support for a proscribed organisation is a criminal
offence. We set out here our approach to the specific elements and provisions of the Act as they
apply to higher education providers, as well as our more general approach to issues around the
vulnerability of our staff and students with regard to harassment or radicalisation from any source,
and relevant measures which enable our students to learn in safe and intellectually stimulating
environments.
In accordance with the statutory guidance for higher education providers we have also set out a risk
register and action plan which will be reviewed regularly and is subject to monitoring and
enforcement as set out in the Act. This policy relates to all staff, students, visitors to University
buildings and those engaged in business on behalf of the University.
Partnership Working
The University places a priority on working with partners to ensure we provide a safe environment.
We were a founding member of the South Wales Prevent Board and remain committed to
representation and active membership of this Board. We recognise that issues around radicalisation
do not respect institutional boundaries and, through this Board, we will work in partnership with
local Universities across the region, including government and security services to share information
and best practice.
In responding to an individual case related to the prevention of radicalisation we set out in this
policy how we will seek to include a range of partners in our decision making and consequent
actions we may take. Through the collective knowledge, expertise and experience available from the
Partnership Board we seek to share practice and learning from such cases across the region and
beyond.
External Speakers and Events
Existing procedures for the management of external speakers and events are outlined in the
University’s Code of Practice to Ensure Freedom of Speech as required under The Education (2) Act
19863.
1 Home Office (2015) Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/counter-terrorism-and-security-bill
2 See the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy Version 2 (2011):
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/public-information/equality-and-diversity
3 See the University’s Code of Practice to Ensure Freedom of Speech
http://www.cf.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/freedom/index.html
All external speakers should be risk assessed against a set of criteria which enables freedom of
speech and protects people vulnerable from being drawn into terrorism by direct exposure to
unchallenged extremist views that are counter to our commitment to both student and staff safety
and equality and diversity.
The room external speaker booking system manages the process in cases where a room is booked
for an event. The University should be notified by any member of the University community through
the published room booking system of their intention to invite a speaker to attend. This should take
place at the earliest opportunity and no less than 21 days in advance, before any travel or other
costs are incurred. We have adopted a risk assessment process for external speakers.
In other cases, such as where an external speaker may be invited as part of an academic programme
or conference, it is the responsibility of the Head of School to ensure that a risk assessment is
undertaken and where risks are identified to refer the proposed speaker to the Prevent Group so
that appropriate and proportionate control measures can be identified. This risk assessment should
follow the format outlined here.
There are three levels of risk assessment for speakers: Green represents no risk; amber, potential
risk with assessment required; red, high or material risk. Where a speaker is assessed as green there
will be no action and the speaker will be immediately permitted to attend. Where a speaker is
assessed as amber the University Prevent Group will be convened and will seek expert guidance in
reaching a decision and to identify appropriate and proportionate control measures to mitigate the
identified risks. Where evidence presented suggests a speaker is assessed as red the University
Prevent Group will verify the position based on evidence and will confirm that the speaker is not
able to attend the University. It will be our intention to place a decision on record within five
working days of a speaker request.
Where a speaker is refused access to the University or to our students for any reason as a result of
the processes set out here we will not be held liable for any costs incurred. We would typically
consult statutory bodies, including the security services, in regard to a prospective speaker seeking
to attend the University identified at either the amber or red level of risk. This approach will also
apply where a speaker directly solicits the opportunity to access our students off campus. This is in
accordance with statutory guidance.
Risk Assessment and Response
The University recognises the risk that members of our community may be targets for radicalisation
and we will take appropriate measures to minimise this risk, working in partnership with relevant
agencies through appropriate processes, such as Channel4. Where a specific risk is identified the
University Prevent Group will assess that risk and advise on action accordingly. This group shall
normally be comprised of: The Academic Registrar, Director of Student Support, the Head of
Security, a representative of the Students’ Union, a University Chaplain and any other such experts
as the Chair decides.
Identification, Support and Referral
4 The UK government position on Channel and related guidance is set out here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-guidance
We will seek to identify vulnerable individuals within the community at an early stage and ensure
they are given appropriate support and welfare provisions. The University’s responsibilities will be
managed initially through our existing safeguarding approach5.
Any member of staff, or student may identify concerns about a member of the University
community who appears vulnerable to the risk of being drawn into violent extremism, based on
information received or behaviour reported or directly observed. It is important that our response is
enabled by a safe and supportive environment. Where appropriate intervention may be offered if
appropriate. Unless there is a direct threat of physical harm to an individual concerns should initially
be directed towards appropriate internal safeguarding provisions; in Student Support where the
matter concerns a student, and Human Resources where it concerns a member of staff.
In the event behaviour exhibited indicates a need for further consideration or intervention the
process of referral should generally be as follows:
i.
The specific concern should be raised initially with an appropriate member of staff
within the Academic School or Professional Services Department (e.g. Head of School,
line manager). The senior member of staff with whom the issue is raised should discuss
that issue with the individual reporting the concern. The member of staff receiving the
concern will, in turn, inform the internal University Prevent Coordinator.
ii.
The University Prevent Co-ordinator may consult with statutory authorities outside the
University to better understand relative risks.
iii.
A panel may at this stage be convened to consider all available options based on this risk
analysis and come to a decision as to whether the individual is referred to the Channel
process.
If there is an immediate concern where a person’s physical wellbeing is under threat the correct
referral process is to call 999 and then inform the University Prevent Coordinator at the earliest
opportunity.
Student Services and Chaplaincy
We have in place a range of professional student support services and every student has a personal
tutor as part of the University commitments set out in our Student Charter6.
Our student services work in partnership with our multi-faith Chaplains and provide the professional
‘home’ for chaplaincy in the University. We seek to offer an appropriate multi-faith approach, and
work with a range of faith groups who are required to operate in compliance with our Equality and
Diversity Policy.
Where a student is identified as being at risk in any way, including someone who has been drawn
into expressing views that relate to harming themselves or others, are contradictory to the
University’s Equality and Diversity Policy, or constitute harassment, actions are taken to ensure that
individual can access support. We may also take action against the student in accordance with the
University Student Disciplinary or Fitness to Practice Procedures. Where appropriate this may
5 https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/473212/2016-Jun-Interim-Safeguarding-Policy-v1.pdf
6 See the Cardiff University Student Charter:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/student-charter/
include external referrals or consultation in accordance with our published policies on data
protection and confidentiality.
Space for prayer and reflection
The University is a secular organisation which seeks to ensure an inclusive approach to students and
staff of all faiths and none. There are rooms available across the University that provide space for
prayer and reflection. They vary in the number of hours that they are available each day. These
rooms are operated in accordance with our Religion and Belief Policy.
Cardiff University Students’ Union and Student Societies
Cardiff University Students’ Union and its affiliated societies abide by their own published polices in
accordance with UK laws that apply to registered charities7. The University works in close
partnership with the Students’ Union both formally and informally on day to day matters as part our
shared commitment to deliver a safe and intellectually invigorating learning environment and
excellent student experience.
Information Technology
The University has in place a University IT Acceptable Use Policy which applies to all use of all IT
facilities8. We set out in that policy a range of activities that would be of concern to us including
issues that arise from the University’s statutory duty under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act
2015. This includes the creation, download, storage, transmission or display of material that
promotes or incites racial or religious hatred, terrorist activities or hate crime; or instructional
information about any illegal activities.
The University uses filtering as a means of restricting access to inappropriate content. This can
include partial filtering whereby an IT user is shown a warning before opening potentially
inappropriate content.
Research Ethics
The University has a well-established system of School Research Ethics committees for reviewing
research which involves human participants, human material or human data, including such research
that is extremism related.
The University’s Research Integrity and Governance Code of Practice requires that a risk assessment
is undertaken for each research study to determine the potential risks to the organisation, the
research, the safety and wellbeing of the participants and researchers, and identify the legal and
ethical requirements governing the research.
Staff training
We make staff training from our Partnership Board colleagues available to appropriate University
staff. We prioritise staff most likely to require awareness of the Prevent agenda (e.g. security
7 See the Cardiff University Students’ Union Policy Book
http://www.cardiffstudents.com/about-cusu/governance/policy/
8 See the University Acceptable Use Policy 2015
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/uniitregs/
services management, student support professionals, students’ union staff, chaplains) and will
monitor and continue to refresh this on an annual basis.
Where appropriate the University’s HR team may also be consulted to identify staff requiring an
awareness of the Prevent agenda. Engagement with any relevant training shall be recorded through
the University performance review process.
Data sharing
In partnership with the South Wales Prevent Board the University has a formal data sharing
agreements as appropriate in order to discharge its duties under the Act. Any data sharing will be in
line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 19989. Clear procedures relating to a formal
data sharing agreement are disseminated to staff as appropriate.
ENDS
REVIEW:
Internal Audit
July 2016
University Prevent Group
January 2017
University Prevent Group
October 2017
Governance Committee
November 2017
University Council
December 2017
9 Data Protection Act 1998
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents
