timeTo Launches Bystander Training Programme Empowering People to Tackle Harassment When They See It
timeTo has launched a bystander training programme that will give people the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively intervene and support their colleagues in situations involving sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviours.
The training programme builds on timeTo’s existing initiatives to eradicate sexual harassment in the advertising industry and comes at a significant time where starting in October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill will enhance protections for workers against sexual harassment, the new law will require employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent such incidents.
As always this year's Cannes festival was a successful celebration of creativity and for the first time was supported by Cannes Lions and timeTo’s partnership Celebrating Safely guide, which provided advice and education on sexual harassment to everyone attending Cannes. However several individuals have since publicly shared their experiences about witnessing inappropriate behaviour and were left feeling uncertain about how to address the situation at the time.
What’s more, many timeTo training participants have also shared situations in which they witnessed sexual harassment and were unsure about how to act.
timeTo’s interactive training addresses a critical gap, empowering all of us, as bystanders, to build a culture of safety and accountability across our industry.
Via the new training product, participants will acquire the tools and skills they need to speak up and intervene safely, effectively and appropriately without resorting to confrontation or aggression. Led by expert timeTo trainers who specialise in sexual violence prevention, attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment and the various forms it can take. By the end of the session, they will be better prepared to support each other and take proactive steps to address and prevent harassment.
Feedback from pilot training sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the real-world examples used and guidance on where to turn for help in the moment.
“I particularly value acknowledgement of our physiological response when we feel we need to intervene. The pace was great and examples were hugely relevant.”
Training sessions can accommodate a range of group sizes, from smaller cohorts to up to 100 attendees. This inclusivity ensures that all employees, from junior staff to senior executives, can benefit from the training.
Pippa Glucklich, CEO of Electric Glue and timeTo chair, said: "Launching timeTo’s bystander training is a critical step in our mission to eradicate sexual harassment in our industry. It is relevant for everyone, all of us will have seen harassment in our workplaces, even if we haven’t directly experienced it ourselves.
The feedback from our initial training highlighted a significant gap in knowledge and confidence among bystanders who witness sexual harassment - in fact, it is applicable to any form of inappropriate behaviour they witness at work - but who are unsure how to respond. Our new training programme addresses this need by providing comprehensive education and practical tools that enable everyone to speak up and intervene effectively. It’s also great for team bonding too. By equipping all employees with these skills, we can foster safer, more supportive work environments where harassment is actively prevented and addressed."
