Beyond Bystander Workshop
Microaggressions have a negative impact on the wellbeing of the individuals subjected to them and the psychological safety of our workplace. Using a bystander intervention shows that these behaviours are unacceptable and promote a safe and inclusive workplace culture. The Beyond Bystander workshop will prepare you to use a bystander intervention if you witness a microaggression.
What is a microaggression?
Microaggressions are slights, snubs or insults which are hostile or derogatory in nature and are directed towards people based on their protected characteristics or minoritised group status. They can be verbal, non-verbal, or environmental, and may or may not be intentional. They have negative effects on the wellbeing and sense of belonging of those who are subjected to them, and have a detrimental impact on the psychological safety of our workplace cultures. Leaving microaggressions unchallenged leaves the recipient feeling unsupported and undervalued, and perpetuates the stereotypes that are implicit in them. Nonetheless, challenging microaggressions is hard.
The Beyond Bystander Workshop
The Beyond Bystander Workshop has been designed to give you the confidence and the skills to act when you witness a microaggression. Over the course of four hours, the workshop uses a combination of discussion, storytelling and role play in small groups. The aim is to get you to think about what bystander interventions you can use and the words you might choose when employing a bystander intervention. This is done in a confidential and respectful environment that supports discussion about these topics.
There are two options for organising your attendance at the workshop. If you would like to organise a session for your department, please contact Catherine.Stretton@nhs.scot. Alternatively, you can attend one of the open access sessions which is available to all NHS Lothian staff members. We will be announcing new workshop dates for the 2025/2026 academic year soon. You can find the workshop pre-reading material below.
| St John's Hospital | Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh | Western General Hospital |
| New dates will be announced soon | New dates to be announced soon | New dates to be announced soon |
Active Bystander Training for Tackling Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow have collaborated with the NHS Lothian Medical Education Directorate to develop an Active Bystander workshop aimed at tackling sexual misconduct in the workplace. Active Bystander Training for Tackling Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare is an interactive half-day workshop providing a comprehensive introduction to understanding, identifying and addressing sexual misconduct in the workplace and in clinical settings. Through a mix of presentations and group discussions, participants will explore key topics including workplace culture, types of inappropriate behaviour and the role of active allyship. The session encourages open dialogue and reflection, aiming to foster a safer, more respectful working environment. To find out more, click here.