Watney College is committed to its statutory obligations under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. We fulfil our Prevent Duty through a structured programme of risk assessment, staff training, partnership working and proportionate safeguarding.
Our obligations
As a registered higher education provider, Watney College has due regard to the need to prevent students and staff from being drawn into terrorism, in accordance with the Prevent Duty Guidance for Higher Education Institutions in England and Wales (Home Office, 2015).
Statutory framework
Across our healthcare and vocational programmes — including the ATHE Level 4 Healthcare Diploma and the NQual Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate — the four fundamental British values are embedded in programme content, professional practice expectations and student induction.
Students are educated in the importance of democratic participation, rights of representation and the accountability of public institutions, including regulatory bodies governing health and social care.
Programme content includes legal frameworks governing adult social care, patient rights, professional duties and compliance obligations — reinforcing the centrality of law to professional practice.
Students are taught to uphold service user autonomy, informed consent and personal freedom — values that directly underpin healthcare ethics and the Care Act 2014 framework.
Delivering care to diverse communities requires students to demonstrate respectful, non-discriminatory practice. The Equality Act 2010 and cultural competence are embedded across assessments.
Risk management
The College maintains a written Prevent risk assessment reviewed annually and whenever provision materially changes. The assessment identifies risks specific to our student population and delivery context.
| Risk area | College context | Rating | Control measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| International student population | Non-UK UG students (30–50 FTE) from varied jurisdictions; may face isolation or exploitation | Medium | Structured induction; student welfare check-ins; UKVI compliance; external referral pathway |
| Online content and external speakers | Blended delivery model; access to external digital content | Medium | Curriculum vetting; online acceptable use policy; speaker approval process |
| Student vulnerability indicators | Healthcare cohort may include individuals with lived experience of marginalisation | Medium | Prevent-trained tutors; personal academic support; referral to Channel where appropriate |
| Extremist literature or materials | No open-access physical holdings; online resources curated by academic staff | Low | IT acceptable use policy; filtered network access; annual review of learning resources |
| Staff radicalisation | Small staff body with direct Board oversight and close working relationships | Low | DBS checks; annual Prevent training; open reporting culture |
Leadership & accountability
Watney College has appointed a named Prevent Lead at senior management level responsible for the College's Prevent policy, risk assessment, staff training coordination and external liaison.
Syed Jahedul Islam
Designated Prevent Lead, Watney College
The Prevent Lead reports to the Board of Directors and presents an annual Prevent assurance report. The Audit, Remuneration and Risk Committee (ARRC) receives Prevent risk updates as part of its risk management oversight mandate. All Prevent referrals are handled by the Prevent Lead in accordance with the College's Safeguarding Policy and, where appropriate, escalated to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Channel panel or local police Prevent team.
Prevent Policy document — The College's full written Prevent Policy, including the risk assessment and training log, is available on request. A published version will be linked here once finalised.
Request a copyRaising a concern
If you have a concern about a student's vulnerability to radicalisation, or about extremist content or behaviour encountered in connection with College activity, report it promptly. All reports are treated with care and in accordance with the College's Safeguarding and Confidentiality Policy.
Speak to your tutor, the Safeguarding Team or contact the Prevent Lead directly. You may also submit a report through our Contact Us page.
Go to Contact Us →Contact the national Anti-Terrorist Hotline or your local police if the matter is urgent. Contact emergency services if there is an immediate risk to life.
Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321
