Program

Active Bystander Behaviour in the Workplace

Building confidence to act early, safely and effectively

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Program Overview

Active Bystander Behaviour in the Workplace builds awareness, confidence and practical skills to recognise and respond early to bullying, harassment and discrimination.

The program reinforces Positive Duty obligations, shifting from passive observation to proactive prevention. Participants learn structured, evidence-based intervention strategies that are safe and proportionate. By strengthening early intervention and shared accountability, the training supports psychologically safe workplaces where people feel empowered to speak up and reduce risk.


Program Overview

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Recognise harmful behaviours and early warning signs

  • Understand legal frameworks and Positive Duty responsibilities

  • Overcome barriers to intervention

  • Intervene safely and effectively

  • Support a culture of active bystandership



Delivery Options

Active Bystander Behaviour in the Workplace is delivered flexibly to suit organisational size, risk profile and workforce needs.

All delivery options are interactive and grounded in adult learning principles.

  • Facilitated Workshops

    Expert-led facilitated sessions that create space for discussion, reflection and practical application.

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    Duration
    Mode
    Attendees

    3



What’s Included
  • Professional facilitation by an experienced practitioner

  • Pre-session briefing to tailor content to organisational context and risk profile

  • Alignment with workplace policies, reporting pathways and behavioural expectations

  • Minor customisation of scenarios and language

  • Interactive delivery featuring discussion, reflection and practice


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Online, Self-Paced Learning 

What this looks like:
Interactive online modules introducing bystander concepts and practical intervention strategies in a scalable format.

Best suited for:
Baseline awareness, onboarding, refreshers, and geographically dispersed teams.

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Our Approach to Active Bystander Training

All Active Bystander training is delivered using evidence-based, participant-centred principles:

  • Psychologically Safe Environments

    We create spaces where participants can reflect, question and practise skills openly.

  • Culturally Responsive & Trauma-Informed

    We acknowledge identity, culture and lived experience, approaching learning with care and respect.

  • Inclusive & Accessible

    Sessions are adaptable and welcoming across identities, abilities and learning needs.

  • Practical & Adult Learning–Focused

    Training is interactive, applied and grounded in real workplace scenarios.

This approach ensures learning is safe, credible and effective, even when addressing complex or sensitive topics.


Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

We’re here to help!

  • Recommended session lengths vary depending on audience and interaction required: Webinar-style or awareness sessions: 90 minutes Hiring managers and HR teams: 2–3 hours Mixed hiring panels: 3 hours Senior leaders: 3 hours Boards and executives: 3–4 hours Longer sessions allow for applied practice and governance discussion.

  • Active bystander training supports compliance with Positive Duty obligations, which require organisations to take proactive steps to prevent harassment, discrimination and victimisation.

  • Active bystander behaviour refers to recognising harmful conduct and taking safe, appropriate action to prevent or reduce harm, rather than remaining passive.

  • Yes. The program emphasises personal safety, choice and proportionality, and reinforces that intervention can include seeking support or escalating concerns.

  • The program addresses bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation, incivility and other misconduct — including subtle behaviours that can escalate if left unaddressed.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help!

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Expertise in Compliance & Risk Management

At Diversity Australia, we specialise in navigating the complexities of compliance and risk in the workplace. Our team of seasoned professionals, backed by strategic partnerships with industry leaders, ensures that your organisation meets all regulatory requirements while fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.

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Ready to Build a Speak-Up Culture?

Whether you are responding to legislative change or strengthening everyday intervention and awareness, we can support you to deliver active bystander training that is practical, defensible and empowering.