Avon and Somerset Free Bystander Intervention Training

The communities of Avon and Somerset and Night Time Economy Solutions (NTES) want you to be part of a network of change and join our free training to become an active bystander. 

Avon and Somerset OPCC has partnered with NTES to provide FREE Bystander Intervention Training for those who own, manage, or work in a business in Avon and Somerset's nighttime economy.

This initiative seeks to empower businesses across the Avon and Somerset region with effective interventions geared towards enhancing the safety of women and girls in public areas while addressing violence against them.



Managing a large team? No problem! 
For bulk registrations, simply download the registration sheet here and easily add all your attendees in one go.

  • What is bystander intervention?

    Bystander intervention is a proactive approach designed to empower individuals to help and prevent or address harmful situations before they escalate. This strategy is particularly vital in combating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within community settings, especially in the nighttime economy.

  • What are the key components of bystander intervention?

    Bystander intervention involves three key components: Awareness, Responsibility, and Action. Awareness is the first step and involves recognising situations that may lead to harassment, abuse, or violence, as well as understanding the dynamics of such incidents and their impact on women's safety in public spaces and during nighttime activities. Responsibility emphasises that preventing abuse is everyone’s duty, aiming to transform individuals from passive observers into active participants in safeguarding their community. Finally, Action involves equipping active bystanders with the skills and confidence to act safely and effectively, ranging from direct intervention to seeking help from authorities or providing support to the victim.

  • What does the bystander intervention training cover?

    Bystander intervention training aims to educate individuals on how to recognise potentially harmful situations and intervene safely and effectively. It shifts participants from passive observers to proactive defenders, actively helping to prevent harassment, abuse, or violence.

  • What's included in the training package?

    Join our Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) sessions in person or virtually by registering below to access the full schedule of training sessions in your area. Enjoy two years of unlimited access to our E-Learning Training Hub, where you can engage with peers, access training materials, and utilise tools for ongoing learning and collaboration. Our Online Resource Database offers a wide array of resources, including intervention strategies and support services, to reinforce training principles. Additionally, you can download key policy templates from the learning hub to align with best practices in safeguarding, anti-sexual harassment, and anti-drink spiking. Upon completion of any training mode, you will receive an automatic certificate to acknowledge your commitment and understanding of bystander intervention strategies.

  • Why should you take the training?

    The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, effective from 26 October 2024, mandates employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, including unwanted conduct of a “sexual nature,” in the workplace. This law, although introduced to protect women, applies to all genders. The changes impose a legal obligation on employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment. Bystander Intervention Training helps businesses meet this obligation by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to recognise and intervene in such situations, thereby contributing to a safer and more respectful workplace environment.

E-Learning Courses

Dive into flexible learning at your own pace and convenience with our narrated virtual courses. Accessible around the clock, you have the freedom to revisit material whenever it suits you best. 

Instructor-Led Training (ILT)

Join us for learning experiences led by seasoned trainers in your local community. Benefit from face-to-face interaction, hands-on activities, and immediate feedback in a supportive environment.

Virtual Intructor-Led Training (VILT)

Immerse yourself in interactive learning led by expert trainers from the comfort of your own space. Engage in real-time discussions, activities, and personalised guidance through online sessions, ensuring a dynamic and collaborative learning experience.