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Being an active bystander: Terms we use that you need to be familiar with

A warehouse worker looks down uncomfortably while two colleagues watch and whisper in the background, suggesting workplace bullying.

For more definitions of EDI-related terms, please see our full glossary of terms

The ABC of EDI

A

Active bystander

B

Bias

Bullying

Bystander

Bystander effect

Bystander intervention

H

Harassment

M

Micro-aggression

P

Passive bystander

Plural ignorance

W

Workplace culture

The toolkit:
Active bystander culture

Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards developing an active bystander culture.

Identifying harmful behaviours

Harmful and inappropriate behaviour can be subtle or overt and can manifest in different forms, such as bullying, harassment, or micro-aggressions.

View this tool

Understanding barriers

To develop an active bystander culture in your organisation, it is important not only to educate individuals on why being an active bystander matters, but also to understand some of the barriers to becoming an active bystander.

View this tool

Intervention strategies

To fully embed an active bystander culture within your organisation, your employees need to be familiar with the different types of intervention strategies that they can use.

View this tool

Building confidence

After you’ve provided intervention strategies for your employees, it’s vital that they have the confidence to use them when needed.

View this tool

Example pulse survey

Download the example PDF to explore how your employees perceive their role as active bystanders.

View this tool

Guide to inclusive facilitation

To get the best out of any participatory activities you run with your employees (including role-play), it’s important to have a good facilitator to create a safe space.

View this tool

Creating a safe space for speaking out

A supportive and confidential environment where people feel comfortable and encouraged to share their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or retribution is vital for building an inclusive workplace culture.

View this tool

Participatory activities

Role play develops people’s confidence and skills so they will be more likely to intervene when faced with situations in real life.

View this tool

Safe & supported reporting

To encourage trust amongst your employees and signal that your organisation is committed to addressing harmful behaviour, it is essential that there are clear and accessible reporting channels.

View this tool

The toolkit:
Active bystander culture

Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards developing an active bystander culture.

Identifying harmful behaviours

Harmful and inappropriate behaviour can be subtle or overt and can manifest in different forms, such as bullying, harassment, or micro-aggressions.

View this tool

Understanding barriers

View this tool

Intervention strategies

To fully embed an active bystander culture within your organisation, your employees need to be familiar with the different types of intervention strategies that they can use.

View this tool

Building confidence

After you’ve provided intervention strategies for your employees, it’s vital that they have the confidence to use them when needed.

View this tool

Example pulse survey

Download the example PDF to explore how your employees perceive their role as active bystanders.

View this tool

Guide to inclusive facilitation

To get the best out of any participatory activities you run with your employees (including role-play), it’s important to have a good facilitator to create a safe space.

View this tool

Creating a safe space for speaking out

View this tool

Participatory activities

Role play develops people’s confidence and skills so they will be more likely to intervene when faced with situations in real life.

View this tool

Safe & supported reporting

To encourage trust amongst your employees and signal that your organisation is committed to addressing harmful behaviour, it is essential that there are clear and accessible reporting channels.

View this tool

The toolkit:
Active bystander culture

Our toolkit will help you start your journey towards developing an active bystander culture.

Identifying harmful behaviours

Harmful and inappropriate behaviour can be subtle or overt and can manifest in different forms, such as bullying, harassment, or micro-aggressions.

View this tool

Understanding barriers

View this tool

Intervention strategies

To fully embed an active bystander culture within your organisation, your employees need to be familiar with the different types of intervention strategies that they can use.

View this tool

Building confidence

After you’ve provided intervention strategies for your employees, it’s vital that they have the confidence to use them when needed.

View this tool

Example pulse survey

Download the example PDF to explore how your employees perceive their role as active bystanders.

View this tool

Guide to inclusive facilitation

To get the best out of any participatory activities you run with your employees (including role-play), it’s important to have a good facilitator to create a safe space.

View this tool

Creating a safe space for speaking out

View this tool

Participatory activities

Role play develops people’s confidence and skills so they will be more likely to intervene when faced with situations in real life.

View this tool

Safe & supported reporting

To encourage trust amongst your employees and signal that your organisation is committed to addressing harmful behaviour, it is essential that there are clear and accessible reporting channels.

View this tool

Explore our toolkits

Inclusive practice

Inclusive practice in the workplace creates an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. Inclusive practice can build diversity, tapping into the broadest possible pool of talent.

Explore this toolkit >

Male and female colleagues sitting closely to discuss work

Addressing sexual misconduct

Addressing sexual harassment and misconduct not only protects employees but also strengthens the overall culture of inclusivity and respect. A proactive approach reassures employees that their wellbeing is a priority and demonstrates that the organisation is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for all.

Explore this toolkit >

Female wearing a head covering holding her head in her hands

Identifying bullying & harassment

Identifying and addressing bullying and harassment not only protects employees but also strengthens the overall culture of inclusivity and respect. By creating clear, straightforward policies and creating robust reporting procedures, we can help organisations recognise, prevent, and respond to sexual misconduct effectively.

Explore this toolkit >