The below information has been shared with the apprentices.

As a University of Westminster apprentice, you’re not just building skills for your future career—you’re also part of a wider learning community that values safety, inclusion, and wellbeing. Understanding Prevent and its role in safeguarding is an important part of your apprenticeship journey. Prevent helps to ensure your workplace, the University and community remain safe spaces for learning.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy, known as CONTEST. Its aim is to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies. All universities are required to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”[1]. This is known as the Prevent Duty.

For apprentices at the University, this means:

• Being aware of the signs that someone might be vulnerable to radicalisation.
• Knowing how to respond if you’re concerned about a peer or colleague.
• Understanding your role in helping to keep your learning environment safe.

Prevent is not about spying or policing opinions, and it doesn’t affect your freedom of speech—it’s simply one of many safeguarding tools available as a means of support.

How is Prevent relevant to apprentices?

As an apprentice, you are part of a broader community, both at work and at the University. Prevent forms a key part of the safeguarding responsibilities in both educational and workplace settings, ensuring your workplace, University, and community remain safe spaces for learning.

What does this mean for you?

Prevent doesn’t affect your freedom of speech.

Prevent doesn’t mean that you, or anyone you know, will be in trouble. It’s simply one of many safeguarding options available as a support system.

The university has a responsibility to you as an apprentice, which includes ensuring you understand various aspects of safeguarding, including Prevent. It is your responsibility to ensure the following:

• Stay informed: Understand what Prevent is and why it’s relevant to your apprenticeship and workplace.
• Stay curious: Attend any Prevent training or discussions provided by your employer or the University.
• Speak up: If you have concerns around any area of safeguarding, use the university support services or contact safeguarding@westminster.ac.uk

Spotting the Signs

Radicalisation can affect anyone, regardless of background. Some signs to look out for include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or appearance
• Expressing extremist views or sympathies
• Isolation from friends or family
• Obsession with online content related to hate or violence

These signs don’t always mean someone is being radicalised, but they could indicate a need for additional support.

Making a Referral

If you’re worried about someone, here’s what you can do:

1. Speak to the university’s safeguarding team or Prevent lead. They’re trained to handle concerns sensitively and confidentially.
2. Use the university’s referral process. This may involve filling out a safeguarding concern form or speaking directly to a designated staff member.
3. Don’t try to intervene alone. Your role is to raise the concern—not to investigate or confront the individual.

Referrals are handled with care and aim to provide support, not punishment.

Where to Go for More Information

• If you have concerns around any area of safeguarding, please use the University support services or contact safeguarding@westminster.ac.uk
• The Report and Support Platform has been designed for students, apprentices and colleagues to report and receive support for unwanted behaviours. Please visit the landing page for more information and further links

You can also ask your tutor or apprenticeship coordinator for more details on how Prevent is embedded in your programme.

Final Thoughts

Prevent helps safeguard apprentices by fostering environments that are safe, inclusive, and resistant to extremist influence—ensuring they can thrive both personally and professionally.

If you’re ever unsure, ask. It’s always better to speak up than to stay silent.

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[1] Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales,section 62.