What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of CONTEST, the UK Government’s counter‑terrorism strategy. It focuses on safeguarding vulnerable people and communities from the threat of terrorism.
Prevent aims to identify, support and protect people who may be at risk of being drawn into radicalisation or extremist activity.
Frontline staff play a key role in noticing concerns early and ensuring people receive the right support.
Prevent referral pathway
Prevent aligns with existing child and adult protection procedures.
Notice
Each organisation must ensure staff can recognise possible signs of radicalisation and understand when a concern should be raised.
Check
Agencies should have safeguarding leads or champions who can provide advice where staff are unsure.
These internal checks should mirror current protection guidance.
Share
If concerns remain after internal discussion, they must be shared with Police Scotland.
To make a Prevent referral:
- request and complete the Prevent National Referral Form.
- return it to Police Scotland’s Prevent Delivery Unit West:
PPCWpreventreferrals@scotland.police.uk (monitored 24/7). - for support completing the form (business hours):
01236 814585 / 8141 / 4902 / 4544
If the concern also involves child or adult protection, contact D and G Single Access Point: 030 33 33 3001.
A Senior Social Worker will assess whether referral to the Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is needed.
Prevent Multi‑Agency Panel (PMAP)
Under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2025, Dumfries and Galloway Council must operate a Prevent Multi‑Agency Panel to support individuals identified as vulnerable to radicalisation.
Police Scotland may recommend a PMAP following assessment of the referral information.
The Prevent Delivery Unit West will notify the Council’s Prevent Single Point of Contact (SPoC), who will alert the Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO). The CSWO will appoint a PMAP Chair and invite appropriate panel members.
Participation in PMAP requires the consent of the individual.
What does a PMAP meeting do?
PMAP provides tailored, practical interventions such as:
- counselling or emotional support
- faith or ideological guidance
- diversionary activities
- civic and community engagement
- work with family/support networks
- access to mainstream services
- specialist intervention providers
Support is aligned with the individual’s specific needs.
Accountability
The Chief Social Work Officer is overall accountable for the PMAP process and reports directly to the Chief Executive.
Approved by CSWO - 18 August 2023
Content Controlled by Dumfries and Galloway Council appointed Prevent SPoC