Welcome to the March 2025 NE Prevent Newsletter Hello everyone,
Spring is in the air, and with Easter just around the corner, we’re back with the latest updates for the North East.
As we move through 2025, Hot Topics will focus on ensuring that all schools and training organisations in the region are aware of the Department for Education’s free online resources and training opportunities.
In this edition, you’ll find:
🔹 The latest threat assessment for the UK
🔹 Upcoming free Prevent training events
🔹 Key dates to mark in your calendar Substantial
The on-going terror threat level - The UK Threat Level is Substantial which means a terrorist attack is likely. |
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News from the Department of Education
Virtual Sessions
Prevent in Education Virtual Sessions from the DfE
Over the forthcoming year 2025, DfE Regional Prevent Education Coordinators (RPECs) will be delivering training sessions aimed at designated safeguarding leads and school governors to support them in understanding the Prevent duty and their safeguarding responsibilities in protecting young people from radicalisation and extremism. Prevent in education: training for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) Please click on the button below see all available dates and further details.: |
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Additional Virtual Training Sessions Sitting outside of the above training offer, some of our RPECs deliver their own sessions that you might be interested in attending.
Our London RPEC delivers 4 sessions on a regular basis including a Prevent induction/refresher, an introduction to incels, an online platforms and extremist content session, and a gaming and extremism session. |
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The East Midlands RPEC also deliver 2 sessions on a regular basis including a Prevent awareness session tailored for staff in education, and a session aimed at FE skills providers subject to the Prevent duty. |
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Protect and Prepare Webinars |
The Department for Education are working in conjunction with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to deliver a series of Protect & Prepare webinars. There will be two events for each sector, and you will only be required to attend one of the events that is relevant to your sector.
At these webinars, the Protect & Prepare team at the Department for Education will provide an update on Martyn’s Law and the provisional implications on the sector (these are subject to parliamentary scrutiny and may change). Additionally, NaCTSO and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) will also provide a briefing on how to consider terrorism protection and preparedness and provide an update on the implications an ‘Insider Threat’ can have on education settings.
Click the links below to access the register: |
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Prevent Policy Relates Article |
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Freedom of Speech in Higher Education: The Latest Updates
The government is moving forward with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, but with significant changes. Originally passed in 2023, the act was paused in 2024 due to concerns about financial risks and the potential for protecting hate speech. Now, the revised act maintains universities’ duty to uphold free speech but removes the controversial right for individuals to sue institutions. Instead, complaints will go through the Office for Students (OFS) and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
Key changes include:
🔹 Universities must still promote free speech but without legal liability for individuals’ claims.
🔹 Student unions are no longer directly responsible for legal compliance, reducing their administrative burden.
🔹 A ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for cases of abuse and misconduct remains in place.
More details will come in a future government policy paper, with ongoing discussions about foreign funding transparency in universities. |
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References:
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Free Speech in Universities: This official announcement, published on 15 January 2025, outlines the government's decision to implement key provisions of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, while removing certain burdensome aspects. Read More Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023: The full text of the Act, as enacted on 11 May 2023, detailing the provisions related to freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education institutions and students' unions. Read More Free Speech Act: What You Need to Know: This article provides an overview of the Act, its requirements for universities, colleges, and students' unions in England, and addresses concerns raised by vulnerable groups regarding potential negative impacts. Read More
Jacqui Smith's Speech at the Universities UK Conference: In this speech, delivered on 15 September 2024, Jacqui Smith discusses the government's decision to pause the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act to consider all options, emphasising the importance of maintaining robust discussions and diverse opinions in higher education. Read More
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Dates of Interest...
As spring approaches, we embrace longer days, fresh opportunities, and the promise of new beginnings. Just as the seasons evolve, so too does our potential for learning, growth, and career advancement. If you're on an apprenticeship or professional qualification journey, here are some key dates to keep you inspired and on track:
British Summer Time Begins – A Season of Possibility 30th March 2025
The clocks go forward, bringing longer, brighter days - a reminder that growth and transformation happen when we step into new opportunities. What skills will you develop this Spring?
Learning at Work Week 19th – 25th May 2025
🔗 www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk
A brilliant opportunity to engage in workplace learning, upskilling initiatives, and leadership development.
Festival of Learning - Have a Go Month 1st – 30th June 2025
🔗 www.festivaloflearning.org.uk
A celebration of lifelong learning, featuring free courses, workshops, and career-enhancing experiences.
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Nature-Inspired Leadership: Elevate Careers & Team Performance
📅 Date: 2nd May 2025 | 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate
🎟 Tickets: £67.50 (+VAT) Are you a Manager, Team Leader, or Facilitator looking to:
✅ Boost team engagement, motivation & career growth?
✅ Improve communication & collaboration with a proven tool?
✅ Gain fresh leadership strategies & practical career coaching skills? Join us for an interactive & inspiring workshop where you’ll:
🔹 Learn career coaching strategies from expert Jane Barrett (author of Taking Charge of Your Career)
🔹 Experience TetraMap®, the game-changing tool for understanding team dynamics with Shirley Gaston
🔹 Network with like-minded professionals & walk away with practical insights
TetraMap® transforms leadership by helping you:
🔹Understand & harness different working styles
🔹Build stronger, more effective teams
🔹Reduce conflict & improve communication Limited places available – book your spot today! |
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