Channel Panel
Channel is part of the national Prevent Strategy, which aims to stop people from being drawn into terrorism.
Every local authority must have a Channel Panel under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
The panel is responsible for managing the risk of someone being drawn into terrorism. The focus is on early help — offering support before someone becomes involved in harmful activity.
This includes:
- Reviewing and coordinating support for individuals
- Working to address the complex needs that may lead to radicalisation
- Coordinating with partners to manage safeguarding risks
- Supporting the police in managing any immediate threats
Channel is open to anyone, regardless of age, background, faith, or ethnicity. It’s about safeguarding people before their vulnerabilities are exploited.
While it’s rare for children or young people to be involved in terrorism, they can still be exposed to harmful ideas. As with all safeguarding, early intervention is key.
In order for an individual to be adopted by Channel, they will have need to have a Prevent referral. The process for this can be found below.
The Panel
The core panel in Somerset includes representatives from key organisations, who can support individuals identified as at risk of becoming involved in terrorism or holding violent extremist views.
- Community Safety (Somerset Council)
- South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (Police)
- Adult Services
- Children’s Services
- NHS Somerset Foundation Trust
- NHS Integrated Care Board
- Neighbourhood Policing Team
Other professionals may be invited depending on the case, such as:
- Social workers
- Education
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Youth offending teams
- Troubled Families Teams
- Housing services
- Prisons and probation
- Intervention providers
Governance
Channel Panel is overseen by the Somerset Prevent Board, a subgroup of the Safer Somerset Partnership.
Susceptibility to Extremist Views
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to radicalisation due to personal, social, or emotional factors. Recognising these signs can help identify when someone might need support.
A person may be considered at risk if they:
- Feel socially isolated or express a strong ‘us versus them’ mindset
- Withdraw from friends or activities they used to enjoy
- Have low self-esteem or are experiencing a personal crisis
- Feel a sense of injustice or have unmet aspirations
- Are secretive about their online activity
- Become more argumentative or rigid in their views, dismissing others’ opinions
- Download or share extremist content
- Are searching for answers about identity, faith, or belonging
- Believe their religion or culture is under threat
- Show unusual routines, travel patterns, or aspirations
- Have Special Educational Needs that affect social understanding or empathy
- Seek excitement or adventure in risky ways
- Have a history of criminal behaviour
These signs do not mean someone will become involved in extremism, but they may indicate a need for support.
What to do if you are concerned
Notice, Check, Share. If you’re worried that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation, follow these three simple steps:
Notice
Look out for signs that someone might be at risk, such as changes in behaviour, isolation, or expressing extreme views.
Check
Gather more information if it’s safe and appropriate:
Speak to the person about their beliefs and intentions.
Identify any support or interventions are in place or have been explored.
Consider what other support or interventions may be available. For those who are under 18 years old, this will mean completing an Early Help Assessment (up to 25 with Special Educational Needs Disabilities).
Share
To report a Prevent concern, you should follow your organisation’s safeguarding process – it is likely that this will mean talking to your Designated Safeguarding Lead. If the Designated Safeguarding Lead feels it is appropriate, they may raise a Prevent referral.
Prevent referrals
To raise a Prevent referral, you should follow the process as outlined below:
Please note that before raising a referral, you should first contact the Police Prevent team to discuss your concerns.
Police Prevent team
Available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Phone: 01278 647466
Email: PreventSW@avonandsomerset.police.uk
For out of hours advice, phone 101.
Safeguarding
For safeguarding support and advice not related to Prevent, professionals should speak to their Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If you do not have a Designated Safeguarding Lead, you can raise your concerns about a vulnerable child or adult by contacting Somerset Council.
Somerset Council Customer Service
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm
Phone: 0300 123 2224