Communities: Lead the Change

Our Lead the Change Programme empowers people in community settings to intervene to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).

In line with evidence on what works for effective prevention, Lead the Change is adapted to local context and can be weighted towards the particular form of GBV commissioners wish to address. Thus, Lead the Change Northumbria is focused on sexual harassment in public spaces, while Lead the Change Wales covers all forms of GBV.

We have also designed and delivered local adaptations of Lead the Change programme for Exeter and Gloucestershire with hundreds of people trained on how to deliver active bystander training to their networks.

Lead the Change is based on our Active Bystander Communities® work

This was the UK’s first evidence-led bystander intervention programme for preventing domestic violence and abuse in general community settings.

Active Bystander Communities® was a collaboration between the University of Exeter Law School, Bristol County Council, Public Health England, Devon County Council, Splitz, and the Hollie Gazzard Trust. It was piloted across Exeter, Torquay and Gloucester in collaboration with Public Health England, and was launched by Dame Vera Baird QC The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales in 2019.

Developing Active Bystander Communities®

During the development of Active Bystander Communities® we worked with public health practitioners to document its progress.

Kindling co-founder Professor Rachel Fenton was the lead author of an article in the Journal of Gender-Based Violence. It detailed observations ranging from community readiness to practitioner challenges.

Evaluated with Public Health England

In the Active Bystander Communities® evaluation we found that participants:

increased in confidence and intent to take action as bystanders
improved their ability to spot and reject myths about domestic abuse
continued to improve at follow-up after four months
put their training into action, and carried out a wide range of bystander interventions (from calling out sexist behaviour to supporting victims of domestic abuse within their communities).

The research was published in the journal BMC Public Health. It was the first academic study of a bystander programme tackling domestic violence and abuse in UK communities.

Active Bystander Communities® is “at the forefront of developing the evidence base for bystander interventions in the UK” said Ms Gainsbury of Public Health England.

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