Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most by students about the ‘Exe-Change the Norm’ programme.
The Exeter 'Exe-Change the Norm' bystander intervention programme has been developed using research and knowledge from sector leading academics, as well as making continual adjustments based on student feedback.
This bystander intervention training, which is available across all campuses, consists of a single 2-hour in-person session with follow up supporting resources. The training workshop looks at how to be an effective active bystander across a range of settings, but in particular, situations where sexism, sexual violence and racist behaviour could be seen.
Part of Exeter University’s current strategic vision is to build a fair, socially just and inclusive society. Bystander training is one of the integral building blocks to reach that vision, raising awareness of important subject matter and providing skills to safely intervene when necessary.
The Exe-change the Norm programme is made up of one, 2-hour session delivered face to face.
The session covers:
- Defining who is a bystander and how to move from being passive to active
- Identifying the four psychological stages to intervention
- Recognise the different ways we can intervene. With perpetrators, with victims or engaging allies
- Identifying strategies and approaches for early intervention
- Positively contribute to situations
- Identify and practise intervention and supporting techniques
Yes. You can book the training through Handshake. If you log in to Handshake and click on Events. Then in the search bar type in 'bystander' you should see upcoming sessions. If you cannot see any then please email bystander@exeter.ac.uk to see when they are next on.
If you are part of a society or committee then I can run tailored session for you.
Due to the nature of the content, the training is delivered face to face as we want to ensure people feel comfortable having open discussions and sharing their thoughts with peers. The session provides a safe and inclusive space to explore these topics through encouraging a person-centred approach, whilst imparting skills and knowledge based on positive framing.This means, we create an open environment that celebrates individuals’ qualities and enables non-judgmental practice of Bystander Intervention. It also allows room to discuss any misunderstandings or misconceptions around race, sexual violence and what skilful and safe intervention can look like.
As the training is open to all students it will be delivered across all campuses. Streatham, St. Luke’s, Penryn and Truro. Room location will be confirmed when you book onto your sessions.
The training will be delivered weekly throughout term time, across all campuses. For further detail on available sessions please look on Handshake or contact bystander@exeter.ac.uk
Apart from the all-important new skills, knowledge and behaviours – once you have attended, this counts as a personal development session for the Exeter Award.
The training runs throughout the academic year, so you can attend at any point
The session is a maximum of two hours
The training is delivered by a dedicated Learning and Development Manager within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team.
A session will start with creating a safe place for all participants, setting up a contract for how we will communicate during the session and ensuring confidentiality. No names will be shared during discussion of real – life examples.
Please get in touch with the training facilitators if you have any specific accessibility needs and we will try to meet your needs.
Staff have access to a different training session, but it covers the same theory so that everyone within the University has the same understanding and access to knowledge around being a Bystander.
You can email bystander@exeter.ac.uk
OR Lewis Nurton (l.nurton@exeter.ac.uk)
You will be sent a PDF copy of our Bystander Handbook after you have attended the session which includes signposting to further support and resources. The facilitator is contactable after the session to follow up with any questions you might have.
Yes, you can. There will be regular sessions running on Penryn and Streatham campuses. St. Luke’s and Truro will be less frequent but still available. Please check on Handshake for upcoming dates or contact bystander@exeter.ac.uk for further information.