Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Active Bystander Programme?
The Active Bystander Programme is a core element of UCL students’ induction that aims to empower them to recognise and challenge unacceptable behaviours on campus and beyond. Now in its ninth year, over 40,000 students have taken part in the programme, and have helped UCL to develop a supportive, vibrant and inclusive community of students and staff.
- How does the Active Bystander training work?
Active Bystander training is made up of two components:
1. An online module
• The first part of this training will teach you to recognise unacceptable behaviours such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct.
• Next, you will learn several ways in which you can intervene safely if you spot any of these behaviours.
• This training is accessible via the Students’ Union UCL website and should be completed before attending a live workshop.
2. A live workshop, in-person (recommended) or online
• You should then attend a live workshop that will explore the topics covered in the online module in greater depth with trained student workshop facilitators.
• In groups, you will discuss scenarios, safe methods of intervention, and how you can report and best challenge unacceptable behaviour when you witness it.
• The workshops provide a space for a more in-depth discussion of complex and nuanced topics.
Together, these elements seek to empower UCL students and enable them to recognise and challenge unacceptable behaviours both on and off campus.
- Who is the programme for?
The programme is for all UCL students.
New students
• All students that are new to UCL should complete both the online training module and attend a live workshop as part of their programme induction.
Returning students
• If returning students have not already completed their Active Bystander Training, they should complete the online training module and attend a live workshop.
- Is the training mandatory for new UCL students?
As emphasised by UCL, students are expected to complete the Active Bystander Programme as a core part of their induction.
- When do the workshops take place?
Your department may organise live workshops throughout Term 1. You can book onto a workshop as an individual from the Reading Week in Term 1 and across Terms 2 and 3 with reduced availability. Our workshops are 90 minute long and typically take place between 9:30 and 17:00.
- What do you do if you cannot attend a session your department has booked for you?
Please contact your department in the first instance, as they may have booked multiple workshops. If your department cannot move you to a different workshop, we frequently organise general workshops throughout the year. These can be found on the Student Union's What's On Calendar. You should book a space on these sessions to complete your training. These sessions will be uploaded as and when our team have availability to run them.
- What to do if you are late or need to leave early?
You will be denied entry if you are more than 15 minutes late. You must complete the group scenarios to be for Active Bystander Certificate. These take place in the second half of the workshop. If you have to leave early 5-10minutes early, please tell the workshop leader and give them your email address so that we may send you the form to register your attendance.
- What to do if you could not scan the QR code at the end live session?
Please email us on [email protected] and tell us the session you attended, We will then forward you the link.
- How do you get your certificate?
You must complete the entire online module, including the passing quiz and completing the feedback form, as well as attend a live workshop and complete the live workshop feedback form. Both of these feedback forms register your training completion with us. We will then issue your certificate.
- Do you have to complete the online module, even if you have attended a live workshop.
Yes, you must complete both parts of the programme to receive your certificate.
- My question was not answered.
If you have any questions about the programme that have not been covered on our webpage or in the FAQs, please contact us at [email protected]. You can also see the contact details of our team on our Contact Us page.