William Eichler 21 June 2016

Councils referred nearly 300 people to deradicalisation programme

Local authorities across England and Wales referred 284 vulnerable people last year to the Government’s deradicalisation programme, a Freedom of Information (FoI) request has revealed.

The Times, which made the request, reported council referrals came from departments including housing, social care, children’s safeguarding, adults’ safeguarding, youth offending teams and youth workers.

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act imposes a requirement for ‘specific authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent individuals being drawn into terrorism.’ This means anyone suspected of being vulnerable to extremist ideologies must be referred to Channel, the deradicalisation programme.

The programme offers one-to-one ‘deradicalisation’ sessions with liberal Muslims and, sometimes, former jihadists. Those who are referred to Channel are allowed to withdraw and parents can refuse consent.

The same FoI request also revealed 1,041 children were referred last year to Channel, as well as 180 pupils from further education colleges, 76 university students, and 228 people from the health service.

An estimated half of those referred were assessed as needing no intervention.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner