Case Study: Bystander Intervention Training in a Southern African Mining Company

In Spring 2024, Kindling delivered Bystander at Work® for the first time in Southern Africa, in a mining context.

The programme was customised through stakeholder meetings, a survey of behaviours, and iteratively through delivery on the ground. The training was grounded in best research evidence about what works in human behaviour change, underpinned by a theory of change, and delivered by specialised expert facilitators.

In this pilot, 19 sessions, each of 4 hours duration, were delivered in person to 321 employees. The evaluation by anonymous surveys post-training was exceptionally positive, demonstrating proof of concept that the bystander approach really landed in this setting. It met its core objectives in terms of the theory of change. Indeed, 98% would recommend the training to others. Participants consistently rated the training as meeting its core objectives: 

• 94% rated it as 4 or 5 out of 5 for increasing their confidence to intervene. 

• 93% rated it as 4 or 5 out of 5 for increasing the likelihood they will intervene. 

• 96% rated it as 4 or 5 out of 5 for increasing their communication and leadership skills. 

The qualitative analysis of the survey responses indicated that participants passed through the psychological processes for becoming an active bystander in accordance with the theory of change. Some participants were able to reflect on their own previously harmful behaviours.