This is not a research-based resource. It is a policy document produced by the UK Government in 2012 (although these links are to the April 2015 updated version) to give advice for partners (including schools, social services, universities, etc.) to the Channel programme which forms an essential part of UK attempts to prevent radicalisation. It is included on this site as it is one of the central policy documents dealing with radicalisation and extremism in the UK. It has been updated to take into account the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
Publisher's description
Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The programme uses a multi-agency approach to protect vulnerable people by:
- identifying individuals at risk
- assessing the nature and extent of that risk
- developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned
Sections 36 to 41 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 set out the duty on local authorities and partners of local panels to provide support for people vulnerable to being drawn into any form of terrorism.
This guidance has been issued under sections 36(7) and 38(6) of the act to support panel members and partners of local panels.
The document:
- provides guidance for Channel panels
- provides guidance for panel partners on Channel delivery (that is, those authorities listed in Schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 who are required to co-operate with Channel panels and the police in carrying out their functions in Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)
- explains why people may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and describes signs to look for
- provides guidance on the support that can be provided to safeguard those at risk of being drawn into terrorism
Channel may be appropriate for anyone who is vulnerable to being drawn into any form of terrorism. Channel is about ensuring that vulnerable children and adults of any faith, ethnicity or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those that would want them to embrace terrorism, and before they become involved in criminal terrorist activity.