TimeTo launches 'bystander training' for people who witness harassment

TimeTo has launched a “bystander training” programme to help people tackle harassment when they see it taking place.

The training builds on TimeTo’s existing initiatives addressing sexual harassment in the advertising industry and comes in light of experiences at this year's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where people witnessed harassment but didn’t know what to do.

TimeTo said: “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.”

The course covers: 

•  What inappropriate behaviour is and how to spot it

•  What stops us from intervening

•  Practical and safe methods of intervention using the TimeTo model

•  How to respond with care when someone shares their experience with you.

Pippa Glucklich, chief executive of Electric Glue and chair of TimeTo, 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."

To register for the training visit here.

TimeTo and Cannes Lions joined forces to offer guidance and education around sexual harassment at industry events ahead of Cannes.

Dagmar Bennett, a freelance TV documentary director and partnerships director at Brixton Finishing School, described her experience of harassment at the festival in an opinion piece for Campaign.