Leeds Prevent at Leeds City Council has become aware of incidents in recent months where organisations, deemed to be extremist, have rented out rooms or spaces in venues, without the venue being aware of the nature of the organisation or their affiliations.

This has the potential to cause reputational risk, upset, and concern. We have a responsibility to protect our communities from speakers, groups and organisations who seek to spread hate using speech to incite violence or hatred and threaten community cohesion, health and public safety. Therefore, it is recommended that bookings are assessed to ensure their activity is in line with your organisational/charitable values.

To support this Leeds Prevent have put together some guidance when taking bookings for rooms, venues, or outdoor spaces.  This guidance is suitable for private and third sector organisations including charities, community groups, faith organisations, sports clubs and licensed premises. It offers best practice and advice in managing bookings and is intended for online, hybrid, and in-person meetings, events and activities.

Included in the guidance are some simple steps to take, including:

• ASK: Questions to ask when taking a booking enquiry, such as ‘What’s planned?’ and ‘Who’s planning it?’
• CHECK: How to undertake due diligence to confirm what you’ve been told and find out more.
• DECIDE: How to use the information collected to inform a decision and the steps to take after.

View/Download: Leeds City Council Prevent Lettings Guidance for private and third sector organisations

View/Download: Prevent Lettings Guidance Leaflet

Leeds Prevent are here to help should you need any advice – contact prevent@leeds.gov.uk or 0113 535 0810

If you would like information on Prevent or the training we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us on the details above.

Prevent - Leeds City Council

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