Helping Prevent terrorism and extremism

Prevent is the government’s strategy to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, in all its forms, by acting early to challenge extremist and terrorist ideologies and behaviours.

Reading Borough Council runs a multi-agency Prevent partnership to help all agencies work together on Prevent, including assessing risk in the local area, training, awareness raising and providing intervention and support to individuals at risk of being influenced or ‘groomed’ into terrorism.

Warning signs

There is no single profile of a person likely to become drawn into extremist and terrorist ideologies and behaviours but signs could be:

  • becoming withdrawn and stopping participating in their usual activities
  • expressing feelings of anger, grievance, injustice
  • going missing from their home, school or care setting
  • a new group of friends who have an extremist ideology
  • using language that supports ‘us and them’ thinking
  • possessing or searching for extremist literature online
  • joining organisations that hold extremist views

If you are worried about someone

1. Make safe

If emergency services are required, call 999. Take responsible steps to ensure that there is no immediate danger.

2. Refer

Internet safety

The internet and social media provides many opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable individuals. To learn more about internet safety look to the Online safety web page.

Information and support

Complaints procedure

Complaints about the Prevent or Channel in Reading should be directed to the Chief Executive, Reading Borough Council using the make a complaint form. An appropriate course of action will be then be decided and will follow the corporate complaints procedure.

The action undertaken will depend on the subject matter of the complaint; issues of administrative fault will be considered separately from complaints of disagreement or ideological/religious divergence.

Reading Borough Council will lead and co-ordinate the complaint response. It will also be responsible for answering complaints relating to procedure.

If the complaint refers exclusively to a single partner agency, or the personnel of a single agency, it will be reviewed under their organisation’s complaints procedure.

If the complaint concerns safeguarding issues, it will be dealt with by the local authority’s safeguarding complaints procedure.

If the complaint alleges harassment, it will be cross-referred to the harassment procedure.

In addition, a national complaints procedure exists that provides a route to raise concerns about Channel or Prevent. Anyone can make a complaint via a dedicated Standards and Compliance Unit (StaCU). Guidance on the complaints process and how to complete the StaCU Complaints form[1] is available on request.

Martyn’s Law – keeping our communities safer

Martyn’s Law, or the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is new legislation designed to improve public safety by ensuring that venues and events are prepared to respond to the threat of terrorism. It is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

The law introduces a tiered approach to security planning based on the capacity of a venue or event:

  • standard tier (200 – 799 people) – needs basic security measures, staff training and notification to the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
  • enhanced tier (800+ people)- needs detailed risk assessments, formal security plans and the appointment of a senior responsible individual to oversee compliance

Who it applies to

Martyn’s Law applies to public premises and events where people gather. This includes:

  • town and village halls
  • community centres
  • parks and open spaces used for events
  • markets and fairs
  • sports and leisure facilities
  • libraries and public squares

If your organisation manages or operates any of these spaces, you may have new legal responsibilities under Martyn’s Law.

What you need to do

Depending on the tier your venue or event falls into, you may need to:

  • notify the SIA that you are responsible for the premises or event.
  • conduct a risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
  • develop proportionate security measures, such as:
    • staff awareness training
    • emergency evacuation plans
    • lockdown procedures
    • safe routes and assembly points

For enhanced tier venues or events, consider additional measures like:

  • bag searches
  • CCTV and monitoring
  • vehicle access controls

Why it matters

While the risk of terrorism in smaller towns and villages may seem low, Martyn’s Law promotes a proactive approach to safety. By preparing for the unexpected, we can reduce harm, save lives, and build public confidence in our community spaces.

Support and resources

We are working closely with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and local emergency services to support organisations in understanding and complying with Martyn’s Law.

More information and a short video about the scope and requirements of the new act.

Last updated on 27/06/2025