The Active Bystander training course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to identify, prevent, and address problematic behaviours at work in order to promote a culture of respect and support.
Why Active Bystander training is so important
Identifying and calling out inappropriate behaviour is key to ensuring everyone feels safe and supported at work. We are all ‘bystanders’ and may witness behaviours which make us feel uncomfortable. The responsibility to take action and address these issues when they occur, lies with everyone in the organisation, in order to create a culture of respect and support. When problematic behaviour is challenged on a consistent basis, this relays a clear message to everyone that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
This training course explains the importance of ‘active bystanders’ and gives participants practical strategies to build their confidence and empower them to challenge inappropriate behaviours such as bullying, harassment, discrimination and microaggressions. Participants will reflect on the reasons why they may be hesitant to intervene and consider steps to overcome these barriers. This knowledge enables us all to play our part in helping create psychologically safer and more inclusive workplaces which are free from toxic behaviour.
Key benefits of attending this course
- Gain critical knowledge of how to act as an Active Bystander, leading to a more inclusive workplace and social environment
- Increase awareness of how to identify unacceptable behaviour
- Understand the subtle and overt dynamics of bullying, harassment, microaggressions and discrimination
- Recognise what may be hindering you from taking action and consider steps to overcome barriers
- Learn actionable strategies for intervening in difficult situations effectively
- Become familiar with appropriate language, statements, tone of voice and body language which you can use ‘in the moment’ as well as follow up actions that you can take
- Increase confidence to take direct or indirect action to challenge problematic behaviour
- Recognise your limitations and know what steps to take if the situation escalates and more support is required
Who would benefit from attending this course?
Employees, team leaders, managers, leaders and Human Resources professionals, would all benefit from learning strategies to be an Active Bystander and role model positive behaviour. This training will encourage them to proactively address unacceptable behaviour, show empathy and support for others and promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
The course content and capacity can be customised for individuality and to meet organisations’ specific learning criteria. Consultancy is also an option either as a standalone service or with training.
This session can be incorporated into our Allyship course. Click here to view the Ally training course details.
Course Overview
The Active Bystander training course is facilitated in a safe and supportive space where participants have the opportunity to share their experiences openly, and listen to the views of others, without judgement, and in confidence. The content includes scenario-based exercises where participants can practise their approach to addressing unacceptable behaviour. Participants will identify steps they can take within their own roles, together with actions that could be recommended for their wider team or organisation.
Indicative course content:
Active Bystander:
- Definition and examples of an Active Bystander.
- Exploring Active Bystander interventions and the impact of such actions.
- Reasons for not intervening and overcoming barriers.
Problematic Behaviours:
- Facilitator-led definitions of bullying, harassment, and microaggressions.
- Examples of harassment and bullying and their impact on individuals and organisations.
- Examination of microaggressions and their effects.
Active Bystander Framework and Intervention:
- Detailed exploration of the 5 Steps to becoming an Active Bystander.
- Real life scenarios to explore and practise intervention strategies.
- Review and feedback on intervention approaches.
Action Planning
- Identify the steps which you can take within your own role
- Identify actions that you can recommend to the wider team or organisation
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Overcoming Unconscious Bias Training
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Find out more
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We are always happy to talk about our courses and help you to work out the best match for your requirements.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
"The quality of the training has been fantastic and our employees are really engaging with the trainer and getting something out of it. Also In Equilibrium makes the whole process very easy to arrange."
"We wanted to provide a course that taught useful and practical coping strategies that our members could put into place straight away. In Equilibrium’s experience showed us that they could provide this, and they tailored the course perfectly."
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"The training was very well received by staff who now all intend to implement the session’s practical tips and techniques into their existing roles. A large proportion of the staff rated the facilitator and their delivery as excellent and their only recommendation was for a further and longer session!"
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