Working Together to Make Pubs Safer – Free Bystander Training for Staff and Customers
Pubwatch schemes across the country already play a vital role in tackling anti-social behaviour and helping licensees create safe spaces for customers and staff alike. Everyone deserves to enjoy nightlife that is safe, welcoming and respectful. But all too often, nights out are spoilt by unwanted and harmful encounters such as sexual harassment.
Research by Ipsos Mori estimates that 80% of women in the UK have experienced street harassment. Harassment in pubs, bars and clubs is also particularly common, with DrinkAware suggesting that almost three quarters (72%) of young people have witnessed inappropriate behaviour. And it isn’t only customers who are affected. Research conducted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust into the night-time economy found that one third (34%) of employees had experienced some form of unwanted behaviour in the workplace.
To support venues, staff and customers, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust would be delighted to welcome Pubwatch scheme participants to take part in Stand Up Against Harassment. This globally recognised, expert-approved interactive bystander intervention training programme is free, delivered online, and lasts just 30 minutes. Multiple sessions are run each month, which can be booked directly via the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website. The training equips participants with practical tools to recognise, safely respond to, and support others experiencing harassment – in pubs, bars, workplaces, public spaces and beyond.
One participant reflected: “I think everyone should attend this course. It’s not always obvious how to react when seeing harassment, but the different options given are really helpful.”
To date, more than 4 million people across 40 countries have completed the programme, with over 90% of UK participants reporting increased confidence to step in if they witness harassment. You can get a glimpse of what this is all about here.
Importantly, the training also aligns with the new Worker Protection Act, which came into force in October 2024 and places a legal duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. Bystander intervention is widely recommended by the EHRC as one of the most effective measures.
This is a free opportunity for those working in the licensed trade, as well as the wider public, to gain practical skills that help reinforce Pubwatch’s aim at creating safer, more inclusive social spaces for all.
👉 Sign up for the free training here
