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Our Approach

We equip people with practical skills to prevent harm and drive more equal and inclusive workplaces. Our sector-leading work is evidence-led and rigorously evaluated.

Practical, interactive and relatable training

Evidence shows that a key feature of effective bystander intervention training is relatability to the group in which it is being delivered. We work with clients to create specific learning scenarios and build these into our interactive workshops. Attendees can then practice their new skills in practical situations – building their confidence.

Bystander training is just one part of a comprehensive, whole-system approach. Our policy review and consultancy work helps clients to go beyond training to address the practices, policies, processes and relationships that produce systemic disadvantage.

How we work

Here are just a few of the qualities clients have told us make our work exceptional. If these sound important to your organisation, we’ll probably be a good fit.

Everything we do – from session length and specific activities used to social polls and discussion points – has theoretical rationale, rooted in the best  evidence available. This is what mean when we say ‘evidence led’. In addition to this, we have evaluated and published reports and peer reviewed journal articles on our own work and in the field of gender-violence prevention and behaviour change.  Check our resources section to read a selection of our publications.

Measurement and evaluation is incredibly important to us and we know that providing metrics makes a big difference to clients’ ability to prove investment efficacy.

There are two key parts to this: 1. How did participants experience the training (what did they appreciate, find challenging, how did the content ‘land’) and 2. Did the training have the intended effects (did it change participants’ attitudes, beliefs, confidence, and ability to intervene as active bystanders). 

To measure these we administer surveys at four timepoints: (T0) development, (T1) Pre-training, (T2) Post-training and (T3) Follow-up. We also conduct pre and post trainig de-briefs with facilitators and key stakeholders. 

Our approach is never self-righteous or ‘preachy’. We welcome all inputs and strive to create a trauma-informed and safe environment for all to contribute.

Intervening with a behaviour does not mean shaming the wrongdoer. We recognise the humanity of everyone in a situation. Our work gives participants the tools to positively and respectfully intervene in different circumstances and power dynamics.

We also recognise that everyone is on a learning journey – ourselves included! We are fully open to being called in. Our training orients participants to be able to receive critical feedback as a gift or signpost, helping us all in the direction we wish to travel.

Kindling can work with your organisation to create a tailor-made package. Part of this involves identifying your ethos and what makes your organisation unique. Your values and business goals then become central to your bespoke programme.

We can also conduct research within your organisation to better understand your needs. This might involve focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. Doing so helps us to craft authentic and relevant training scenarios specific to your organisation and sector.

Bystander intervention is one critical component in creating a more equal workplaces, communities, and the world at large. So we recognise that, sometimes, more integrated action is needed.

In our policy review and consultancy work we help organisations to go beyond training and embed a whole-organisation holistic approach.

As well as direct delivery by our trained facilitators we offer:

Train the Trainer – we instruct your people on how to deliver training, so they can keep the positive changes happening far into the future, creating a waterfall of long-term legacy impacts (we can also run a Peer Learning Network to training quality and fidelity)

Communications consultancy – maximise the effectiveness of your bystander training with an additional media campaign (posters, digital assets, social media, internal messaging)

Asynchronous content – a bespoke online bystander course on your platform of choice, either as a supplementary learning experience or as a prerequisite to our training (therefore shortening in-person delivery)

Our programmes

Harnessing multiple training methods and strong group identities to effect positive change across higher education settings.
Helping organisations drive equity and diversity and prevent sexual harassment via active bystander training designed specifically for your workplace.

Sports organisations

Training athletes, role models, support staff, and organisational leaders to challenge gender inequalities and prevent sexual harassment at work.

Communities

Preventing violence and abuse in community settings – with the UK’s first evidence-led community intervention programme.

Trusted to deliver by...

I continue to be impressed by the feedback about the course, the fact that every delegate so far has commented that everyone should receive this training is testament to how impactful it is.
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
"Kindling were highly responsive and collaborative throughout the process, adapting the course materials thoughtfully to reflect the needs and lived experience of our students."
Dr Sammy C.H. Li
Assistant Director of Student Affairs (Postgraduate and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion), University of Birmingham
"I strongly encourage all organisations in Wales to make full use of this opportunity. Together, we can create safer, more supportive environments for everyone in Wales."
Jane Hutt MS
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
"I really enjoyed the session, and the tools are simplified, easily outlined and practical for use. Thank you very much." “I feel empowered and like you turned up the volume on my voice” “I am recommending this training to be provided to everyone. This is very important in everyone's life, and across the organisation”
Mining Company in Southern Africa
Attendees of Bystander Intervention training
“The most insightful learning I've ever been engaged in.” “An excellent course which should be mandatory for all men and boys."
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
Male attendees of the Active Bystander Project
“The ‘Bystander at Work’ training created a safe space for staff to explore behaviours and gave useful strategies to challenge unacceptable behaviour, especially microaggressions.”
Claire Buchanan
Chief People Officer, University of Bristol
“The training was delivered by knowledgeable and expert colleagues who encouraged participation around a sensitive subject. As a civil servant with over 30 years’ experience, the training was refreshing and made me appreciate that I am still learning.”
Public Health England
Deputy Director
“I congratulate the University of Exeter Law School and Public Health England on this endeavour. I would enthusiastically recommend that other universities and organisations take on bystander projects.”
Dame Vera Baird QC
Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales
"The training was excellent: first-class presenters, good use of technology and brilliant material to reflect on.” "If all staff had bystander training, I think this would have a massive effect on workplace culture as the norms would shift.”
Public Health England
Bystander at Work Training Feedback
“Bystander intervention offers an important tool for people and communities to challenge thinking, behaviour and attitudes at an early stage. I think it can also teach us about being better, kinder and more informed citizens, and personally has given me tools and knowledge to be a better father, partner, colleague and friend.”
Simon Kitchen
Head of Communities, Devon County Council