It does make you sigh that despite all the work that has been done to eradicate sexual harassment, a host of stories has come to light of people witnessing it at Cannes.
timeTo’s work continues. timeTo has launched a bystander training programme that will give people the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively intervene and support their colleagues in situations involving sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviours.
The training programme builds on timeTo’s existing initiatives to eradicate sexual harassment in the advertising industry. It comes at a significant time in the UK. Starting in October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill will enhance protections for workers against sexual harassment. The new law will require employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent such incidents.
This year’s Cannes festival was supported for the first time by Cannes Lions and timeTo’s partnership Celebrating Safely guide, that provided advice and education on sexual harassment to everyone attending Cannes. This didn’t deter all. Several people have shared their experiences publicly about witnessing inappropriate behaviour and were left feeling uncertain about how to address the situation at the time.
What’s more, many timeTo training participants have also shared situations in which they witnessed sexual harassment and were unsure about how to act.
timeTo’s interactive bystander training addresses a critical gap. Participants will acquire the tools and skills they need to speak up and intervene safely, effectively and appropriately without resorting to confrontation or aggression. Training will be led by expert timeTo trainers who specialise in sexual violence prevention and attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment and the various forms it can take. By the end of the session, they will be well prepared to support each other and take proactive steps to address and prevent harassment.
Feedback from pilot training sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the real-world examples used and guidance on where to turn for help in the moment.
Training sessions can accommodate a range of group sizes, from smaller cohorts to up to 100 attendees. This inclusivity ensures that all employees, from junior staff to senior executives, can benefit from the training.
Pippa Glucklich, CEO of Electric Glue and timeTo Chair, stated, “Launching timeTo’s bystander training is a critical step in our mission to eradicate sexual harassment in our industry. It is relevant for everyone, all of us will have seen harassment in our workplaces, even if we haven’t directly experienced it ourselves.”
Register your interest here.
