What is the Active Bystander Programme?

The Active Bystander Programme is a core element of students’ induction and time at UCL. It aims to empower them to recognise and challenge unacceptable behaviours including bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct, on campus and beyond. The programme provides students with the tools to safely intervene if they witness or experience any of these unacceptable behaviours, helping to create a safer and more inclusive culture on campus, and beyond.

Since its launch, the programme has trained over 50,000 students and has grown to be the largest programme of its kind in UK Universities, through its peer-to-peer delivery model. We recognise that to prevent these behaviours, we must address them as a community in which each member can do their part to challenge bullying, harassment and sexual violence. A great way to start is by becoming an Active Bystander. Small actions can have a positive, big impact!

How does it work?

The programme consists of two parts – an online module available via our website and a live workshop that is organised in collaboration with UCL's departments. Students must take part in both components to complete the training and gain their certificate. Students are expected to complete the training.

Online Module

Students first complete the online module within their own time, which takes around 30 minutes. This module allows students to familiarise themselves with common unacceptable behaviours that they might encounter during their time at university, as well as the practical tools to be an Active Bystander. It introduces them to the 5Ds of Active Bystander intervention and provides an opportunity to apply these new skills through various real-life scenarios, interactive activities and regular knowledge checks. The module also includes signposting information to both UCL specific support and external services.

I believe this online module sheds light on issues many people are not aware of or that they take for granted... Everybody should speak up when they see something is wrong, that is, being an active bystander is one of the most important, if not the most important, step to prevent bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.

UCL Student Feedback, 2024-25

Live Workshops

After completing the online module, students attend a live workshop, usually booked with us by their academic department. It builds on the knowledge gained from the online module through practical examples, scenarios and interactive peer discussions. The workshop itself is 90 minutes long and is peer-facilitated by our experienced Workshop Leaders who create a safe, non-judgmental space for students to ask questions and learn from each other. The workshops are facilitated both in-person and online.

Departments typically book workshops for their students to attend, but we also run occasional workshops through the Students' Union's What's On calendar. Here, students can individually sign up to a workshop.

Clubs and societies are also encouraged to book live workshops for their committee and members. Please contact activebystander@ucl.ac.uk to arrange this.

I think the discussions allowed to see different viewpoint/potential ways of dealing with/de-escalating situations that may occur that I may not have thought of on my own.

UCL Student Feedback, 2023-24

If you have questions about the programme, please check our FAQs below. If you would like to get in touch with us, you can check our Contact Us page for contact information.

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