Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, is asking employers to get involved and empower their people to become Active Bystanders to help tackle public sexual harassment. People spend so much of their days and weeks at work, which provides real opportunity to reach responsible citizens to act, giving them the confidence to intervene in every-day life, says the PCC.

With White Ribbon Day just round the corner, which kick-starts the 16 days of action for the elimination of violence against women and girls, Susan is encouraging employers, particularly in male dominated professions like mechanics and construction, to get in the driving seat and build culture change that can have an impact on wider society and their organisation.

Active Bystander Training gives people the understanding and confidence to have conversations with friends, family and colleagues around issues like misogyny and sexism that lead to violence against women and girls. It also offers a range of tools to skilfully challenge sexist attitudes and behaviours to help people around you recognise the problem and think about how harmful it is. A few calm words can make the difference.

The training was introduced in May 2023 and to date 430 active bystanders have been trained up across the region. Impressed by the scheme since taking over as Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan has ambitions to double the number within the next year. With 63% of men agreeing that men in society aren’t doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls, she says there is a welcome appetite for this training – people just need to understand the problem, know how to handle things and feel empowered to decide on the best course of action.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “According to UN Women UK eighty per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in public, and that’s a lot of people witnessing these behaviours too. I have spoken to people who have been on the train, at the gym, or even at work events and they have seen harassment and have been left feeling guilty that they didn’t know how to step in to stop it. It’s understandable that people feel unsure about what to do or worry they might worsen things – and that’s where this training can help.

She continues: “I want to be clear, we’re not expecting heroics and always recommend that in dangerous situations call the police on 999, but there are times we can call out sexist comments and say, ‘look that’s not OK’ – that’s how we can encourage pro-social behaviour.

“This training is for anyone who might witness sexual harassment – which is all of us. When we see or hear sexual harassment and do nothing, we empower the harasser. Sexism, misogyny, and unwanted comments that degrade women and girls – they’re often disguised as ‘banter’, well the joke is over.”

The office has delivered 15 courses since May 2023, most recently to team members at Opencast – the first private sector business to champion an active bystander approach. Opencast is a fast-growing technology consultancy based in Newcastle who have recognised the part they can play in supporting colleagues’ societal change.

Opencast Head of People Engagement and Inclusion Sheena Widdowfield shared: “We’re proud to be the first private sector business to take part in the programme.  The ongoing epidemic of violence against women needs action and this training is a key part of the movement to change that. Opencast is proud to have some involvement in this, and we’re looking forward to seeing the broader spotlight grow for this subject matter to be heard, far and wide.”

Police Commissioner Susan Dungworth called into the training that was being delivered at Opencast last month. She said: “Opencast is clearly a forward-thinking company, and they get it – and they get their responsibility with this, and I hope others will follow their lead. We’d also love to work with employers in typically male dominated professions – builders and mechanics and so on, – together we can drive change.”

This year’s White Ribbon Day theme is #ItStartsWithMen”. Allyship is at the heart of WRUK’s work to prevent men’s violence against women and girls. “It starts with men” underscores the role men can – and must – play to end gender-based violence from society.

Northumbria OPCC Active Bystander Training takes place across two half day sessions and more information and details on how to sign up can be found at www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk. This training was developed by Kindling Interventions who trained organisations across the region to deliver this course focussing on prevention of public sexual harassment. Kindling Interventions have developed Active Bystander courses for a range of audiences and settings, so businesses who want to specifically tackle workplace sexual harassment can contact them for help with their duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

ENDS