The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, places a duty on higher education institutions, amongst others, to have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism (the “Prevent Duty”). Universities also have a general legal duty to secure freedom of speech on campus, within the law.
The University’s executive lead for ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to fulfil our Prevent Duty is Richard Calvert, Chief Operating Officer. He chairs the cross-University Prevent Steering Group, which includes representation from the Students’ Union.
What does this mean for me?
Prevent does not require staff to do anything in addition to their normal duties and the University has not introduced a wide range of new processes to respond to our Prevent duty. Many arrangements are long-established and pre-existed Prevent, such as the approval of external speakers process, our student welfare services, Multifaith Chaplaincy and the staff Problem Resolution Framework, among others.
What is important is that if there are concerns that a vulnerable individual is being exploited, staff and students know how to raise the concern so that any necessary action may be taken. Sheffield Hallam considers Prevent to be a student welfare issue and all members of the University community should make themselves aware of the appropriate routes and welfare services so that they can raise issues where they are concerned about students who are being exploited or putting themselves or others at risk of harm.
You may find it helpful to undertake our short Prevent training course for more information- you can do this electronically or in person (dates below).
Visit https://staff.shu.ac.uk/prevent.asp for booking information.
28 February 1000-1100
26 March 1400-1500
27 April 1400-1500
17 May 1000-1100
21 June 1000-1100
10 July 1400-1500