Guidance

Purpose of this guidance

Published 19 October 2026

Applies to England

Overview

This guidance aims to set out how those working in NHS trust and NHS foundation trust mental health services can help to reduce the risk of radicalisation in children, young people and adults who may be susceptible - and, in turn, protect the wider public.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) commissioned RAND Europe, an independent not-for-profit policy research organisation, to support DHSC in producing this guidance.

Who this guidance is aimed at

This guidance is aimed at those working within NHS trust and NHS foundation trust mental health services, including both clinical and non‑clinical staff. There is also additional information for Prevent leads within these mental health services.

For more detailed information regarding the implications of Prevent for commissioners of NHS services, refer to the Prevent duty: core standards for healthcare commissioners and providers.

The legal status of this guidance

This guidance is non-statutory and is aimed at people working in NHS trust and NHS foundation trust mental health services. This guidance contains examples of best practice to be followed wherever possible. People working in mental health services have a critical role in Prevent because frontline workers often meet and treat people who may be susceptible to radicalisation.

NHS trusts and foundation trusts must, in the exercise of their functions, actively consider the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is a legal responsibility under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

For more information about legal responsibilities under the Prevent duty, see the statutory Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales.

Structure of this guidance

Managing risk of radicalisation in mental health services

This guidance:

• provides an overview of what Prevent is
• outlines how those working in mental health services can help to manage the risk of radicalisation
• explains how to determine when a referral may be appropriate, what types of information to consider and the main steps to follow when making that decision. Dedicated sections outline specific considerations for:
  • people with mental health conditions
  • those who may be neurodivergent
• describes each step of the process following a referral and how staff may be involved throughout the wider Prevent pathway
• provides guidance on information sharing and training materials

Summary guidance for all mental health professionals and Prevent leads

Following the main guidance are 2 concise summaries designed for:

• all staff
• Prevent leads in mental services

These summaries outline how both specific roles can help to manage the risk of radicalisation.

Glossary of terms

Caldicott Guardian

The senior person responsible for protecting the confidentiality of people’s health and care information in your NHS organisation.

Channel

A multi-agency approach designed to protect people at risk of radicalisation. Channel panels are chaired by each local authority to discuss people referred to Prevent and to determine appropriate support.

CONTEST

The UK government’s Counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) 2023.

Extremism

Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to:

• negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others
• undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal Parliamentary democracy and democratic rights
• intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the above

Gateway assessment

The initial assessment of a Prevent referral carried out by specialist police officers to decide whether the case should be further investigated and passed on to a Channel panel.

Ideology

A terrorist ‘ideology’ is a set of beliefs, principles and objectives to which a person or group purports to adhere and attempts to instil in others to radicalise them towards becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Neurodiversity

The natural variation in the way our brains process information, learn or behave.

Neurodivergence

When a person’s brain works, learns or processes information differently from what is considered ‘typical’.

Prevent

The UK government’s Prevent programme aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It works to ensure that:

• people who are susceptible to radicalisation are offered appropriate interventions
• communities are protected against radicalising influences

Prevention

The reduction or elimination of the risk of people being radicalised or becoming involved in terrorism.

Radicalisation

The process of a person legitimising support for, or use of, terrorist violence.

Safeguarding

The protection of someone’s health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

Susceptibility

How likely someone is to be drawn into radicalisation. Anyone can be susceptible to radicalisation based on a wide range of contributing factors.

Terrorism

An action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public to advance a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.

Vulnerability

A person who may need special care, support or protection due to personal circumstances such as age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect. This can include some people with mental health conditions and/or who are neurodivergent. Many of these characteristics may also contextualise their susceptibility to radicalisation.