Educator’s Resource on Prevent: Safeguarding not Securitisation
Overview
Safeguarding Not Securitisation is a resource for educators developed by Prevent Watch in collaboration with Amnesty International UK and Liberty.
This 28-page booklet responds to concerns raised by educators who want clearer information about their rights in relation to the Prevent Duty, and who have seen the risks of relying on ‘gut instinct’ when making referrals about students.
Current government and school guidance on Prevent does not fully address these risks. Nor does it offer clear support for educators seeking to uphold students’ rights while meeting their legal responsibilities.
As a result, many educators are placed in a difficult position: asked to treat Prevent as part of safeguarding, while recognising that it can conflict with core safeguarding principles and may lead to rights being undermined.
This booklet challenges common myths about Prevent in education and sets out key rights that should be considered before making a referral. It includes expert analysis from Prevent Watch, alongside insights drawn from real cases.
The resource supports educators to better understand the potential harms associated with Prevent and to approach their responsibilities through a rights-based lens. It encourages more supportive, proportionate responses that prioritise students’ wellbeing and dignity.
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Looking for more?
Don't Prevent Rights, Protect them - an Introduction to the Government’s Prevent Duty
Build your confidence in navigating the Prevent Duty with this short, free online course designed for educators.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how Prevent operates, explore its wider impact on human rights, and reflect on findings from Amnesty International’s research, including concerns around racism and discrimination.
This course is ideal for educators who want to approach the topic with confidence, critical awareness, and a strong grounding in rights-based practice.
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Know Your Rights: Prevent in UniversitiesPrevent Watch, Liberty and Amnesty UK have put together this Know Your Rights resource on Prevent in Universities
Explainer, Campaign resource 12 Nov 2024 -
Messaging Guide: How to talk about the Prevent DutyAmnesty International UK and New Economy Organisers Network (NEON)'s messaging guide on how to talk about the Prevent Duty.
Campaign resource, Information guide 29 Jan 2025 -
United Kingdom: Prevent - This Is The Thought Police (2023)This report examines Prevent referrals and interventions at public events, drawing on interviews, training observation, document analysis and nearly 4,700 survey responses.
Reports and publications 31 Oct 2023
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