Prevent

Hull operates a dual referral pathway. This means that completed referrals come into Counter Terrorism Policing Northeast and Hull City Council. While the police are duty bound to assess the Prevent referral, the local authority can check to identify any early support needs. The local authority can work with the police to support the process and ensure the best outcome for the individual.

Making a Prevent Referral

Prevent is about safeguarding. If you are worried that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation, you can share your concern so they can receive the right support at the earliest opportunity. A Prevent referral is not a criminal accusation – it is a way of helping someone who may be at risk.

How referrals are managed in Hull

Hull operates a dual‑referral pathway, meaning referrals are received by both Counter Terrorism Policing Northeast and Hull City Council.

• The police are required to assess every Prevent referral.
• At the same time, the local authority checks whether the person may benefit from early help or other support services.

We work closely with the police and partners to ensure the most appropriate and proportionate response for each individual.

Access the Prevent referral for (Opens in a new window)

If your concern relates to a person under 18 years of age, also email: EHASH@hullcc.gov.uk

After a referral

Every referral is assessed based on specific circumstances -

• counterterrorism Police assess the referral. If the person is assessed as not requiring a Prevent response, the referral is closed and no further Prevent action is taken
• where appropriate, they may be signposted to other support services
• if concerns remain, the case may progress to a multi‑agency safeguarding discussion

The aim is always to provide help early and reduce vulnerability.

Anyone can make a referral

Professionals, family members, friends, and members of the public can all raise a Prevent concern. Providing as much detail as possible helps ensure an accurate assessment.

Frontline professionals, when deciding whether to make a referral, should consider whether they believe the person they are concerned about may be on a pathway that could lead to terrorism.

For members of the public who have concerns about someone being radicalised into terrorism or supporting terrorism, the ACT Early website offers advice and guidance, including signs of radicalisation to look out for, case studies and information on how to share those concerns.

Notice, Check, Share

If you are unsure whether to make a referral, a simple safeguarding approach can help -

• Notice – changes in behaviour, language, or other signs that cause concern
• Check – with the individual (if safe), a colleague, or a safeguarding lead to gather context
• Share – your concerns through your organisation’s Prevent referral process and include as much information as possible

This video provides a best practice guide for those completing Prevent referrals.

Additional advice

The Home Office provides detailed guidance to help you complete a Prevent referral including a list of details to include. 

You can also contact the National ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764 to discuss concerns confidentially with trained officers.

For local advice, please contact the Hull Community Safety / Prevent Team by emailing Hullprevent@hullcc.gov.uk.

Channel Panel

Channel is a voluntary safeguarding program that supports people who may be at risk of radicalisation. It provides tailored help—such as mentoring, mental health support, education, or specialist intervention—to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience. Channel is not a criminal process, and receiving support does not result in a criminal record.

Channel in Hull

Hull City Council leads the local Channel Panel, working in partnership with the police, health services, education, and other agencies. The panel meets regularly to assess risk, agree support plans, and ensure individuals receive the right help at the earliest opportunity.

If you have concerns about someone who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, please follow local safeguarding procedures or contact the Community Safety/Prevent team for advice.

More information on Prevent and Channel panel can be found on the following factsheet - Prevent and Channel factsheet – 2024  – Home Office in the media