Reporting, escalation, and what happens next

When you notice a Prevent-related safeguarding concern, record the facts clearly and pass the information on through the correct route. Pharmacy staff do not need to prove radicalisation before acting. Share concerns based on worrying patterns, a clear change in behaviour, repeated statements supporting violence, or credible information from someone close to the person.

Notice the concern, write down the facts, and escalate. In larger organisations this usually means informing a safeguarding lead. In smaller pharmacies tell the responsible pharmacist or the most senior available person and use local safeguarding or police routes if needed.

Recording and escalation

• Record facts clearly: note what was seen, heard or said, and who was present.
• Avoid assumptions: report observations without labelling or speculating about motives.
• Escalate promptly: pass the concern via the safeguarding route rather than waiting for certainty.
• Think about immediate danger: if there is an imminent risk of violence or serious harm, treat it as an emergency and contact the police.

What Channel is

If a Prevent referral goes ahead, police may review the concern and the local authority will usually coordinate a multi-agency panel. If the person is assessed as being at risk of being drawn into terrorism, Channel may be offered.

Channel is a safeguarding support process. It is not a punishment and it does not create a criminal record. Its aim is early support for issues that increase risk, for example harmful influence, online risk, mental health needs or other pressures.

For adults, Channel support is voluntary. The person can choose whether to take part. If Channel is not used, other safeguarding or support options may still be appropriate.

Example escalation routes

If you are a team member

If you are the pharmacist

If you are the safeguarding lead

Channel is a safeguarding support process for people at risk of being drawn into terrorism. The pharmacy role is to notice concerns, record facts, and escalate them so the right people can assess what support may be needed.