This bulletin reflects the ongoing work of Project Orpheus alongside any local or national Prevent updates. Previous issues are available to read below.
Prevent update - July 2023
This bulletin provides an update on local and national Prevent related issues.
A Situational Risk Assessment has been produced to assist local partners in being able to identify and mitigate known risks in relation to extremism and radicalisation. Information was drawn from police partners, the Counter Terrorism Local Profile and Safer Portsmouth Partnership’s strategic assessment for 2020-21 and update in 2022. The following are identified national issues that may also have relevance for Portsmouth:
A one-page document has been produced that contains useful links and further guidance on a local and national level. It includes contact details of key individuals within organisations, web links and where to download the National Referral form and Community Partnership Information form.
Links and guidance were sent out in the last bulletin relating to the DfE’s filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges in England to help protect children online. Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges – Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges – Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The updated guidance makes it clear that all staff should receive training on the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring. The designated safeguarding lead should take lead responsibility for understanding the filtering and monitoring systems and processes in place. Information on school child protection policies should include information on appropriate filtering and monitoring on school devices and school networks.
Updated guidance also includes information on responding to allegations relating to incidents occurring when an individual or organisation uses a school’s premises. As with all safeguarding allegations, schools should follow their safeguarding policies and procedures, including informing the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
The Leadership Team at Portsdown Primary has established some excellent practice in relation to Prevent. They have clear structures, policies and processes in place that underline their rigorous approach to safeguarding and their commitment to key values and the wider curriculum. They conducted a Prevent self-audit that then informed the writing of their Risk Assessment and Overview of Prevent within the school. This is supplemented with a document on British values and a flow-chart that gives clear guidance on supporting incidents relating to Prevent. Please contact Ash or Darran at Portsdown as they are happy to share resources.
A factsheet from CTSE Police relating to the Incel movement is available here.
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Prevent update - April 2023
This bulletin provides an update on local and national Prevent related issues.
The review was published in February 2023 and the government have accepted all 34 of William Shawcross’s recommendations. The Home Office has set itself a 12 month timeframe to implement these changes. This will include a refresh of CONTEST (the counter terrorism strategy) along with modifications to the Prevent Duty itself. In the meantime the Portsmouth approach will continue to be informed by the risks and threats as outlined by the CTLP (Counter Terrorism Local Profile). We will continue to tackle all forms of extremism taking a proportionate and case-by-case approach.
As mentioned above, we are guided by the information generated by Counter Terrorism Police, South East, who provide a yearly overview of the risks and threats that are relevant for Portsmouth. Here is a summary of those:
The Department for Education (DfE) has created filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges in England to help protect children online. The standards cover 4 areas:
Read the full guidance here.
Following a review of the effectiveness of the reporting tool, we are no longer asking schools to report monthly on incidents. The reporting form had a complicated registration and log-in and despite some interest, it was not able to generate city wide trends to support schools in tackling incidences of prejudice.
There are a number of key resources that have been produced by the PEP that offer support, guidance and further signposting. There is also a working group that is seeking to further develop resources in this area. The outcomes of this will be shared via the Removing Barriers to Inclusion Group and shared with schools.
This falls into the Protect strand of the CONTEST strategy, but it will nonetheless have an impact on public settings. As a result of the Manchester Arena inquiry and significant campaigning by Figen Murray, whose son was killed in the attack, there will be a greater awareness and potentially training for settings (of varying sizes) on how to respond to major emergencies. There are briefings being delivered by the Home Office and this information will be passed on to schools.
Please contact either [email protected] or [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected].
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - January 2023
The final conference was an opportunity to bring partners, policy-makers and practitioners together to showcase the outcomes and draw together the recommendations for policy-makers moving forward. The event was held in Belgium and had representation from the UK, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. From a Portsmouth perspective, we will be holding an online event to introduce the website that contains all the resources with a focus on how to use the different materials. In the meantime, please check out the website for a first look. Home (orpheusproject.eu)
The Cybercrime Awareness Clinic (Orpheus Partner) is hosting a webinar on 16th February (3.30pm UK / 4.30pm CET). It’s aimed at anybody with an interest in the project and / or the prevention of violent extremism. It will include an overview of the ORPHEUS rationales and core concepts, the training packages and other resources developed by the project and the policy recommendations and there will also be a panel discussion / Q&A with some of the project partners. Registration is via Eventbrite and the webinar will be hosted on Zoom.
2. Risk Assessments for Prevent?
In the last bulletin (November 2022), I drew attention to the new DfE guidance for self-assessment on Prevent policies and practices. The audit tool is particularly useful as it can highlight what settings already have in place and where the gaps are. These can then become identified actions for what you may need to do next. Furthermore, the tool can help schools understand how well embedded their Prevent policies and practices are and encourages a cycle of continuous review and improvement. It includes a supporting spreadsheet to help. Prevent duty self-assessment tool for schools – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
There is always the question as to whether a school then needs a specific Prevent Risk Assessment. Whilst there is a requirement on HE/FE institutions to have a risk assessment in place, for schools the guidance states:
“Specified authorities (schools) are expected to assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism, including support for extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology. This should be based on an understanding, shared with partners, of the potential risk in the local area. Specified authorities (schools) need to demonstrate that they are protecting children and young people from being drawn into terrorism by having robust safeguarding policies in place to identify children at risk, and intervening as appropriate.”
Revised Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Producing a risk assessment and using this to shape and guide practice is one way that schools can fulfil the requirements of the Prevent Duty. However, there are multiple ways in which schools can evidence their leadership in this area, for example through: staff training and knowledge, safeguarding culture, local partnerships, policies on IT, venue hire and speakers and by offering a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares young people for life in modern Britain.
I have sought clarification from the DfE Lead on Prevent Policy and they confirm that the emphasis is on schools demonstrating that they have thought about the risk posed to their students/pupils, and the proportionate measures that they have subsequently put in place. A risk assessment document is one way to do so, but isn’t the only way and there is no one endorsed template. Furthermore, Ofsted also do not have specific expectations on this.
If you would like further support on using the audit tool or creating risk assessment, then please email me.
3. Prevent statistics for 2021-22
As you may have seen in the media, the latest Prevent statistics have been released. Here are some of the key figures:
The recording of referrals has also changed to reflect the growing complexity of vulnerabilities present, which includes incel and school massacre. Full details of the statistics can be found at Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, April 2021 to March 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
4. Revised One-Minute Guide for Preventing violent extremism and Channel
A revised version of the OMG has been produced and now sits on the PSCP website. One minute guide library – Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board (portsmouthscp.org.uk)
5. Misogyny in the Context of Andrew Tate
Media interest has increased following Tate’s arrest in Romania. He is a highly controversial influencer with misogynistic views that will be having an impact on his many followers, predominately young men and boys. An individual expressing support or admiration for Tate does not, by itself, meet the threshold for a Prevent referral. There are many extremist ideologies that feature misogynistic narratives and there has been a significant increase in online violent misogynistic narratives. A referral to Prevent may be appropriate if there are broader indications that radicalisation is occurring or an individual could be drawn into supporting terrorism.
The Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum includes teaching about online safety to ensure children are kept safe both in school but also at home. It also covers topics around respect for others and the importance of mental wellbeing. Further resources can be found on the PSHE Association website.
The BBC have also produced an article Andrew Tate: How schools are tackling his influence – BBC News
6. Out-of-school settings (OOSS) DfE evaluation
The DfE published non-statutory guidance in October 2020 to support Out of School Settings (OOSS). The guidance is in two parts – best practice advice for settings and key expectations that parents should have when sending their children to such settings. The DfE provided over £3 million of funding to selected local authorities as part of its OOSS multi-agency pilot scheme. Wave 1 involved ten local authorities, whilst wave 2 only involved six. This included Portsmouth City Council where we commissioned PSCP to train those who work in settings and produced a short video for parents on what to ask of settings.
An evaluation of the project has been completed with key findings and recommendations. Most notably was the realisation of the following:
Significantly the recommendations focussed on:
7. Training
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)
30 March 2023
27 June 2023
13 September 2023
04 December 2023
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - November 2022
1. New guidance for DSLs on safeguarding learners
New non-statutory guidance on GOV.UK to help schools safeguard young people from radicalisation. There are 4 links supporting schools safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation.
The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Understanding and identifying radicalisation risk in your education setting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Managing risk of radicalisation in your education setting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Case studies – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
2. New guidance for self assessment on Prevent policies and practices
The tool can help schools understand how well embedded their Prevent policies and practices are and encourages a cycle of continuous review and improvement. It includes a supporting spreadsheet to help. Prevent duty self-assessment tool for schools – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
3. Independent Review of Prevent
The Home Office has now received the final version of the Independent Review of Prevent. This was submitted to the Department by the Reviewer, William Shawcross, and will now be considered in full by the Home Office before being laid in Parliament. The Government will publish the report and the government’s response as soon as possible, after taking the necessary time to prepare and deliver a considered response. The recently announced CONTEST refresh will also consider the findings of the Independent Review of Prevent
4. Referrals Pathway
As a reminder, all referrals into Prevent are via the National Referral Form. This can be accessed via the Safer Portsmouth website. Extremism – Safer Portsmouth All referrals are assessed by the Counter Terrorist Police Gateway Team and shared with the local authority so that statutory safeguarding checks can be made at the same time. Channel, which is a multi-agency process, is the case management of individuals needing further support. This process is led by the local authority.
Please be aware that this is the only referral mechanism in operation. It is a national structure that ensures that referrals are processed and managed by the appropriate agencies e.g. the police and local authority.
5. Educate Against Hate – resources
Addressing Hate Crime in the Classroom
How To Help Your Pupils Distinguish Fact From Opinion
6. Portsmouth Prevent Board – agreed priorities
The Portsmouth Board recently signed off on the following priorities:
7. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour – monthly reporting
Schools are receiving a monthly prompt from Corporate Services to submit their monthly data. If you are still experiencing log-in difficulties or want a different staff member to submit the data, let me know and I can send a registration link to you. General information can be found on the PEP website. Prejudicial Language and Behaviour (PLAB) Toolkit – Portsmouth Education Partnership
8. Training
Please contact either [email protected] or [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)
13th Dec (10am-11:30am)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Incel Briefing (via Microsoft Teams)
14th Dec (3:30pm-4:30pm)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - September 2022
We are now in the final stages of the project with final reports being published and training manuals being translated into French and Dutch. The project will be showcased in Mechelen, Belgium at the end of the year. As a reminder, here is what the project has delivered:
The overriding success of the project was the opportunity to work cross-border with colleagues from municipalities, civil societies and universities.
There is no new content for Prevent, although the location of key information has changed pp.148-151 within Annex B. This includes links to key publications, guidance and websites. Keeping children safe in education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
London Grid for Learning has produced translations of Part 1 of KCSinEd The National Grid for Learning – KCSIE (lgfl.net)
I attended a briefing by Picture News – a weekly news resource for both primary and secondary schools.
If you’d like to receive a free poster pack in the post, request one here: www.picture-news.co.uk I also know that they offer a free trial.
The Guardian are currently delivering free interactive virtual workshops for secondary schools. Virtual workshops last for approximately 40 minutes and are delivered using Zoom. Further details and registration information can be found on each of the workshop pages. They give priority to state secondary schools that have not previously had a workshop and are only able to accept one workshop request per school each academic year. Workshops for schools | The Guardian Foundation
Classroom Resources You Can Use This Academic Year – Educate Against Hate
The ACT website has support on the following:
How do extremists target people online? | Counter Terrorism Policing (actearly.uk)
The online reporting for the PLAB (Prejudicial Language and Behaviour) was relaunched in February 2022 having been rebuilt by the Corporate Service department at PCC. Since this time reporting has been sporadic across the city. Upon further investigation, there were issues concerning the links or the links not working. These issues have now been resolved, however there are now two steps to the reporting process.
1/ Request access to online reports – you will be sent a registration email
2/ Submit your registration form – you will receive a second email with a link to the online reporting tools
If you have already registered, then simply go to the PCC website and click on the tab ‘My Portsmouth’ and navigating to the ‘CSC reports’ tab.
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)
13th Dec (10am-11:30am)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - July 2022
We have completed our training delivery to professionals and young people.
Clearer and more accessible information on Prevent, how to make a referral and the types of support offered through Channel. Also contains a useful overview video of Prevent that lasts about 5 minutes.
Get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
These are the 6 key principles that underpin Prevent delivery within the city:
New resource produced by the DfE and can be found on the Educate Against Hate website. Short videos and PowerPoint resources on the following areas:
There is an emphasis on shared values with extremism being described as opposition to our society’s values. The resources are designed for secondary use.
Let’s Discuss: New Classroom Resource on Extremism and Terrorism (educateagainsthate.com)
“Like many headteachers and school leaders, I had completed training around Prevent and counter-terrorism but, at the time, it didn’t really feel relevant to me. The responsibility of running a school with its external pressures meant that it simply didn’t feel like a priority. That all changed when I woke up on the 23rd May 2017 to the news that something terrible had occurred in Manchester the previous evening – a terrorist attack at a concert where the audience was largely comprised of young people.”
A School’s Journey of Recovery, 5 years on from the Manchester Arena Attack – Educate Against Hate
Developed by CEOP for professionals and parents only. The resource can help you to:
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - April 2022
This is a document produced by Counter Terrorism Police South East that outlines key threats, risks and vulnerabilities within the south east region. The Portsmouth Prevent Board is working on an action plan for the coming year to address these considerations, which include:
There is a lot of material and information available, some of which has already been shared via the PEP.
There is a link where you can see a broad overview of what content is blocked by your provider without undertaking some very risky searches. Test Your Internet Filter | SWGfL Test Filtering
We are still awaiting the findings and recommendations from the review into Prevent. Key findings will be shared through this platform. In the meantime it is worth remembering that Prevent has been a key part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy since 2006, with the Duty coming into force in 2015. During this time, training has provided frontline workers with the skills to identify the signs of radicalisation and protect vulnerable individuals. Prevent is a preventative programme that works in a similar way to other safeguarding programmes that provide support to those who are being exploited or groomed.
A useful classroom resource by Childnet aimed at secondary school pupils and includes guidance on how educators can encourage ‘empathetic, honest, and evidence-based conversations on online hate’. Talk It Over – Educate Against Hate
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)
9th June (10am-11:30am)
13th Sept (10am-11:30am)
13th Dec (10am-11:30am)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - January 2022
We have worked closely with some local partners over the past quarter. We have delivered training sessions to Motiv8 on Controversial Issues, Online safety, Youth culture and Politicisation. These sessions provided an opportunity for us to deliver our training material and to gain an invaluable insight into the work that frontline experts perform on a daily basis with young people. We are also working with Unloc, who will be delivering our Online Awareness and Critical Literacy training to schools. So far they have delivered to all Y10 students at Priory.
Finally we held some safe space sessions at St Edmund’s Catholic school that were facilitated by Jon Nicholas, Conflict Resolution expert, who has previously worked with us on the training materials and through his work for the Johnathan Ball & Tim Parry Peace Foundation. Click here to read St. Edmund’s newsletter on the day. We hope to continue with this programme of running safe space sessions throughout the spring term.
We completed the project that was funded by the DfE. The project allowed us to commission the PSCP to deliver training to local groups and individuals, plus the creation of short videos for parents outlining the kinds of questions they should be asking of settings. Keeping children safe in out-of-school settings – Portsmouth City Council As part of the legacy of the project there will be 4 training dates this year, book via the training section on the PSCP website. Training – Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board (portsmouthscp.org.uk)
The latest statistics were released at the end of last year covering March 2020-March 2021. There was a significant drop in referrals, largely due to the lockdown. However in line with previous data, males make up 88% of referrals and significantly for schools/colleges 15-20 year olds make up 29% of referrals and under 15 make up 20%. For a full breakdown of the figures Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, England and Wales, April 2020 to March 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Counter Terrorism Police is continuing to call on members of the public to be aware of the signs to spot any concerns they have about vulnerable people they know. They have launched two new ‘letters to my younger self’ videos which speak directly to young people about the risks of radicalisation. The films can be viewed here Real stories | ACT Early
This is a Blog (and another plug) for the Going too Far resource. Going Too Far? A New Resource For Teachers to Tackle Online Harms and Extremism – Educate Against Hate
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - October 2021
We conducted a ‘Deep Dive’ session with Unloc to review the training materials on Cyber Awareness. The purpose of the session was to gain feedback from professionals on the training so it could enhance the delivery and ensure maximum impact on the young people of the city. We also worked with a number of young people where the focus was more on co-creation and using them as part of the solution – the ‘bottom-up’ approach that is integral to the Orpheus project. The young people involved were extremely insightful and generous with their time and engagement. Their first-hand knowledge of false information and the range of influences that are available to young people will prove to be invaluable. The next steps are to work with our Orpheus partners and local providers in delivering this training package across the city but also within France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
We have also sought feedback from Hampshire Police Education Partnership on this aspect of the project and look forward to their input on other areas too. Finally we will be holding some safe space sessions at St Edmund’s Catholic school that will be facilitated by Jon Nicholas, Conflict Resolution expert, who has previously worked with us on the training materials and through his work for the Johnathan Ball & Tim Parry Peace Foundation.
2. National referral form for Prevent
Concerns about radicalisation and extremism are treated in the same way as all other safeguarding issues.
The process is to complete the Prevent National Referral From and submit to [email protected]
The form will be forwarded to the local authority safeguarding team and the Prevent policing team for a joint assessment. At this point, the MASH may determine that a referral for intervention under early help s.17 or s.47 of the 1989 Children Act or s.42 of the Care Act is necessary whilst the police are gathering further information. The referral form can be accessed here.
3. Mixed, Unclear and Unstable Ideologies
4. Incident in Plymouth
In the summer there was the incident in Plymouth, where 6 people died and two severely injured in a shooting attack. The perpetrator was identified as Jake Davison. The incident was not defined as a terrorist act, but it is under review. It has been reported that his social media footprint showed links to the Incel movement.
5. Conspiracy Theories – teaching resource
A new resource for teachers has been published to support them in ‘managing’ conspiracy theories in the classroom. It is written by academics who were both previously teachers. It is very accessible with some useful tools that can be developed by teachers.
6. London Grid for Learning – Going too Far
This is an interactive classroom resource designed for teachers to help students understand extremism and how certain online behaviour may be illegal or dangerous – aimed at secondary schools, with elements easily adaptable for primaries/colleges. All activities have cross-curricular relevance, facilitate a whole-school approach in line the RSHE guidance, KCSinE and a link to statements in the UKCIS Education for a Connected World.
The resource includes:
7. Training
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - July 2021
1. Project Orpheus – Partner Meeting 8
2. Out of Schools Settings (OOSS): training for professionals
3. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour
4. Extreme far right group banned
Attomwaffen Division has been proscribed – White supremacist group, Atomwaffen Division, banned in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) – and so members of this group or those who invite support for the group could be jailed for up to 10 years.
5. Educate Against Hate – Monthly newsletter
EAH is a DfE website and platform for guidance and resources relating to the Prevent Duty. There are sections for teachers, leaders and parents. If you’d like to receive their monthly newsletter sign up via this link Educate Against Hate Registration (mailchi.mp)
6. Training
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
7. Independent Review of Prevent
The Independent Review of Prevent is reviewing the Government’s strategy for supporting people vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and making recommendations for a future approach. As part of this work, the Independent Reviewer of Prevent wants to hear from as wide a range of people as possible to help inform his final report through a series of virtual public engagement events. These events provide an opportunity for the public to have their say on Prevent, informing the recommendations submitted to government, and to share their views on key issues, including the impact of Prevent on individuals, families and communities, whether Prevent tackling the causes of radicalisation and if there should be a strategy aimed at supporting those vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and what it should look like. Those with lived experience of any aspect of the Prevent system, or those working in the voluntary, community, faith, youth, health, justice or education sectors, are encouraged to attend and share their views. You can sign up to the events below:
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - April 2021
Guidance and support for schools and colleges in England to support their approach to harmful online challenges and online hoaxes. The advice covers: preparing in advance for any online challenges and hoaxes; safeguarding children and young people; sharing information with parents and carers; and where to get help and support.
The PSCP has delivered training to over 40 individuals who represent OOSS. There are further dates scheduled and booking can be made via the PSCP website.
This free training consolidates basic safeguarding requirements alongside key recommendations from the non-statutory guidance released in October 2021.
The latest Prevent statistics were released by the Home Office early this year and show some key trends that are relevant for those working in the education sector. Please note that the figures can be viewed in three different ways:
A working group has finalised some key changes to the materials supporting the reporting of Prejudicial Language and Behaviour.
The UK terrorism threat level has now been lowered from Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, to Substantial. The UK national threat level is kept under constant review, and JTAC (Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre) conduct a formal review every six months. This is a systematic, comprehensive, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.
Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - January 2021
Despite the challenging circumstances, we have managed to work with young people virtually at Portsmouth and Highbury Colleges.
There has been a slight change to the referral process. Information is to be submitted on the National Referral Form that will then be simultaneously shared with Police and the MASH. Guidance is attached.
The first part of the training to professionals will take place on 04.02.21 4:00pm-6:00pm via Zoom. This will be led by Sam Nesbitt from the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership. Please email me if you wish to attend.
Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, April 2019 to March 2020 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
A new OMG (attached) has been written to support frontline professionals. It will be uploaded to the PSCP website.
Colleagues in Kent and West Sussex have reported leafleting of this group and their Twitter account shows they have been leafleting in Southampton as well. This group promotes white nationalism and its content focuses on idolising the white race and highlighting the problems caused by ‘non-white’ immigration. They have produced an alternative curriculum that encourages home-schooling, to the extent that they have template letters for parents to send to schools and the local authority. If you become aware of any PA activity in the city, please let Charlie or myself know.
Counter Terrorism Policing’s new safeguarding website, which is aims to support those concerned about their friends and family being radicalised. The FAQs page is particularly helpful FAQ | ACT Early
Safer Internet Day 2021 will be celebrated in the UK with the theme: An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - October 2020
Project Orpheus and Prevent update - May 2020
We found that all pupils were well aware of the amount information that they consumed (either passively or actively) on a daily basis through their online activity. Most had a good understanding of fake news, however less were as informed on how echo chambers and filter bubbles influences our online habits. Fewer still had a clear idea of how information is constructed and how it might be used. Our findings really resonate with the current climate given that we are exposed to huge amount of information, misinformation and disinformation.
Orpheus seeks to build resilience in young people, for example:
Working with professionals
We asked a number of professionals the following question: what is the biggest threat to young people online?
There is plenty of guidance and information being circulated, especially concerning staying safe online. We are aware that some extremists are exploiting Covid-19 to reinforce their pre-existing narratives, so some online platforms are hosting wider conspiratorial narratives. Below is some guidance and some resources that may be used for developing digital literacy and critical thinking (key components of the Orpheus project).
Educate Against Hate – Blog
The DfE website has produced a blog entitled School Closures: Ongoing Prevent Management Support.
Covid-19 Disinformation briefings from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue
ISD are creating regular ‘Disinformation Briefings’, which analyse how extremist and/or radical movements are weaponising the COVID-19 crisis, either to sow division or direct hate towards specific (minority) groups. https://www.isdglobal.org/isd-publications/
CTPHQ Online Harms Guidance
The impact of COVID-19 means most children will be at home for an extended period and will be spending increasing amounts of time online. Counter Terrorism Police have produced some guidance to parents relating to the specific online radicalisation risk.
Websites:
Fact Checkers:
Both Charlie and myself are still available to deal with Prevent concerns and offer support, advice and training. This can be over the phone, email or via a video call. Nothing has changed in terms of the referral process, all Prevent referrals must be made via the MASH, please see Portsmouth City Council’s One Minute Guidance on Prevent/Channel.
As a reminder, Prevent training can be accessed via the Home Office’s e-learning platform.