Safeguarding and wellbeing in the news

The recent inquest into the tragic death of 16-year-old Rhianan Rudd, as highlighted by the statement from Counter Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTPEM) on June 9th, Rhianan Rudd inquest statement | Counter Terrorism Policing, serves as a sobering reminder of the profound dangers of radicalisation. Rhianan’s case, involving a vulnerable young person subjected to exploitation and radicalisation, underscores how individuals can be tragically drawn into extremist ideologies.

The Prevent initiative, a crucial part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST), aims to safeguard people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Its core mission is to intervene early and provide support to those susceptible to radicalisation, tackling the ideological causes of terrorism and working to rehabilitate those who have engaged with extremist views. While Rhianan’s inquest identified missed opportunities by various agencies, including Prevent, to provide timely support and recognition of her vulnerability, it emphasizes the vital role Prevent seeks to play in identifying and helping individuals at risk. The CTPEM statement acknowledges that such cases are a “stark moment” for policing’s management of vulnerable young people and highlights ongoing efforts to evolve approaches towards rehabilitation and deradicalisation. This underlines the continuous effort required to protect our communities from the insidious threat of radicalisation, by fostering understanding, early intervention, and multi-agency collaboration.

Current Threat Level

There are 5 categories at which the threat levels could be set: 

• LOW – an attack is highly unlikely 
• MODERATE – an attack is possible, but not likely 
• SUBSTANTIAL – an attack is likely 
• SEVERE – an attack is highly likely 
• CRITICAL – an attack is highly likely in the near future 

Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321. If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5.

The threat to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) from all forms of terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL.

In the wake of a school shooting yesterday, 10.06.25, in Graz, Austria, Austrians hold minute of silence and vigil for 10 victims of school shooting – BBC News, we want to post this reminder of initiatives and strategies currently in place and updates coming soon.

E-Learning | ProtectUK – Action Counters Terrorism training available for anyone wanting an update about good practices to help counter terrorism and increase your security awareness. There is also specific training available for education and security front line security operatives.

RUN HIDE TELL | ProtectUK – In the unlikely event of a terrorist attack, the UK Counter Terrorism Policing guidance of Run, Hide, Tell is to be followed by all members of the public.

Martyn’s Law overview and what you need to know | ProtectUK – The new Act will ensure the public are better protected from terrorism by requiring certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack. This Act delivers the Government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public premises and events. 

2025 Focus Groups

This year we are introducing focus groups and will be inviting you to take part. This short group session will take place at various times during the year depending on your programme.

The first one is scheduled for 1st July 2025 10:30 via Teams meeting.

There will be more information to follow.