Active Bystander Training Progress

This training focuses on raising awareness of gender- and sexual-based violence and equips student leaders with the tools and confidence to challenge such behaviours. Delivered by Graham Goulden, the training has been organised through a collaborative effort involving EUSU, EUSA, Res Life, and Wellbeing Services.

Offering Active Bystander training to members of student societies and sports clubs is essential in fostering a supportive and inclusive campus culture. The training empowers students with the skills and confidence to intervene safely and effectively when they witness incidents of harassment, discrimination, or harmful behaviour. University communities are diverse, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Such diversity, while enriching, can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. Active Bystander training enables students to help maintain their peers' well-being and promote respectful and positive interactions within these diverse communities, ensuring that everyone on campus feels safe, respected, and included.

Furthermore, Active Bystander training is crucial for developing leadership and accountability among student leaders, who are often central figures in shaping the culture of their societies or sports clubs. By developing an awareness of issues such as gender- and sexual-based violence, and other forms of abuse, student leaders are better equipped to recognise warning signs and de-escalate situations before they become serious. This proactive approach enhances the reputation and cohesion of student groups and contributes to a healthier, more respectful, inclusive campus aligned with the University’s commitment to student welfare and a positive social climate.