Changing Cultures in Sports
Stand By Me and Stand By Her: Tackling Discrimination, Misogyny and Harassment in Sport
Creating safe and inclusive environments in leisure, sports services and facilities are crucial if we want them to be accessible for all.
Sport has the power to bring people together, build confidence and create a sense of belonging. But the culture we create matters. How we treat people, respond to harmful behaviour and address barriers to participation sends a powerful message about who belongs.
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Our programs support people within sports clubs, societies and associations to be allies to those experiencing exclusion or disrespect. This means responding to attitudes and behaviours that may make people feel they are not welcome, not valued or not listened to.
Why “Stand By Me” and “Stand By Her”
Because harmful behaviour can happen at any level, from leadership to frontline staff, during internal interactions or while training or matches.
Our training equips teams with practical bystander skills to intervene safely, challenge harmful behaviour, support colleagues, and take action.
Communities Inc. have been working with sports clubs, societies and associations across the country since 2020, training staff at all levels (including players, coaches, boards, senior managers, and domestic staff).
Benefits of our Bystander Intervention Programs
⦿ Increase confidence to intervene
⦿ Develop strategies and skills to act safely and effectively.
⦿ Work on real-life scenarios to practice.
⦿ Get resources and a handbook.
Is your workplace compliant to the new Workers Protection Act?
The Worker Protection Act, effective from 26 October 2024, places a legal duty on UK employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Failure to comply can result in significant legal and financial penalties. Read More, Read More.
• Employers must set a clear tone that sexual harassment is unacceptable
• Standards apply to everyone, including people in positions of power
• A clear, well-communicated sexual harassment policy is essential
• Managers must be trained on their responsibilities and to act appropriately
• Reporting concerns should feel safe, supported, and taken seriously
• Victims and bystanders must trust that speaking up will lead to action.
Stand By Her supports employers to meet their legal obligations while tackling workplace sexism, harassment and misogyny head-on.
How our training can help
Practical application
Our training is more than just giving people information. It builds people’s skills using real-life, relatable case studies exploring the range of ways people can respond.
Legal Obligations
We help you to equip your team with the knowledge and tools they need to create safer, more respectful and inclusive spaces. This also supports your legal obligations as an employer.
Behavioural Sciences
Our training is highly rated and based on research and scientific evidence, which means the tools that we share are proven to work and make a difference.
We have worked with:
– Numerous Active Sports Partnerships including Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Derbyshire
– Nottingham Forest’s Football Academy delivering bespoke sessions on addressing bullying among boys (13-16 y/o)
– Sporting Equals delivering specific programs centred on race equity and inclusion
– Derby County Community Trust to tackle misogyny in sports
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increased knowledge of bystander interventions.
90%
more confidence to intervene at workplaces
102%
more likely to report a harmful behaviour
Backed by research. Proven in practice. Highly recommended by thousands who’ve taken our training.
Testimonials
The Stand By Me session with the board combined education, insight, challenge, reflection, and time for us to consider our role as senior strategic leaders in supporting our people and all those who use and need our services. And it was delivered in a safe environment that enabled us all to participate. I strongly recommend Shamsher and her colleagues.
Stand by Me and the other programs delivered by Communities Inc across all levels of our organisation over the last 5 years, including the board, have helped participants to not only understand ‘why’ it is important to be an ally but ‘how’. The focus on the early expression of bias and prejudice is particularly valuable in helping prevent more serious incidents occurring. A very timely programme for anyone committed to creating a more respectful and inclusive workplace.
This session really bought EDI into practice. Not only did I learn what I can do but also why it is important. I was amazed at how much complex content was covered and explained in a simple to understand way. 3 hours just went by. Given the potential sensitive nature I was put into ease straightaway. The training is very useful for every team memeber and beyond. Thank you for the training which is much needed within the trust.
Thank you so much for opening our eyes and educating us – it really is making a difference.
Wow, this has been one of the most eye-opening training sessions I have ever
attended. I learned so much which is relevant for all areas of life and for everyone!
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