Refer someone at risk of radicalisation

Help prevent someone you know from becoming a terrorist or supporting terrorism by referring them to our radicalisation support programme.

Signs someone is at risk of radicalisation

Radicalisation can be really difficult to spot.

Signs may include:

  • Isolating themselves from family and friends.
  • Talking as if from a script.
  • Unwillingness to discuss their views or refusing to listen to different points of view.
  • A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others.
  • Increased levels of anger or becoming increasingly argumentative.
  • Increase in secretive behaviour, especially around internet use.
  • Use of 'them and us' language.

Report or refer someone at risk of radicalisation

You don't need a person's consent to report or refer them if you feel they're at risk. If the person at risk is under 18, you may wish to speak to their parents, but you don't have to.

If you’re worried someone is at risk of radicalisation you can:

Help the person at risk will receive

The person will be referred to the Channel Panel programme. Participation in the programme is voluntary.

We cannot force the person to take part but we'll try our best to give them the support they need.

The Channel Panel will help the person you refer by:

  • Identifying if the person is at risk.
  • Assessing the nature and extent of that risk.
  • Developing the most appropriate support plan.
  • Reviewing the impact and effectiveness of the support provided.

Criminal records

The programme does not criminalise people for holding extreme views. It does not result in the person you refer having a criminal record through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

A crime will only be recorded if the person you refer has committed an actual crime. As an early intervention programme, it operates as a safeguarding process to protect from radicalisation and offers appropriate support.

Why the referral programme was created

The referral programme was created by the Home Office as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy.

It aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

More information

Find out how the Prevent programme supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism through radicalisation.