Active Bystander approach
Active Bystander approach
Monday 23 February 2026, 12h - 13h30
General context
VIB is committed to fostering a diverse, safe and inclusive workplace for all collaborators. Building on the VIB Code Conduct, the main policy document outlining the expected and unacceptable behaviors, we are offering several training opportunities, as well as support, to ensure the standards of behaviors expected at VIB are clear to everyone. A lot af what we experience as workplace culture or climate is mitigated by behavior and interpersonal interactions.
Research has shown that an active bystander approach can really support workplace inclusion. When the majority of the collaborators are skilled in active bystander intervention (the 5 Ds approach) and are empowered to call out problematic behavior, unwanted behavior becomes socially unacceptable and decreases. And when workplace safety and inclusion is improved, workplace outcomes also improve. Therefore, active bystanders are a very important stakeholder in achieving inclusive excellence across VIB.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize and differentiate between various forms of unwanted behavior (e.g. harassment, bullying, microaggressions) through real-life examples.
- Describe the five strategies of the 5 Ds Active Bystander model and understand when and how to apply each effectively.
- Respond constructively and confidently to inappropriate behavior using active bystander techniques.
- Identify personal and contextual barriers to bystander intervention — and strategies to overcome them.
- Engage in open dialogue about workplace inclusion, gray zones, and shared responsibility for a safe environment.
- Recall the internal VIB reporting mechanisms and understand when and how to use them.
The workshop is online and takes 1,5 hours. It has a very interactive and engaging format, offering plenty of opportunities to ask questions, clarify behaviors and also tackle the „grey zones”. It includes theory, practice, small-group conversations, and a quiz.
Next to the open offer for which you can register on this page, the workshop can also be - delivered in-person to a VIB team, group or lab, collaborators that work together. Please contact trainingandconferences@vib.be for more information.
All VIB collaborators are encouraged to attend the Active Bystander training. The workshop builds on the eLearning Code of Conduct, as well as the Dignity at Work training. It can also be combined with the Conflict Management training offered by VIB.
- Because of the nature of the topic, we ensure that there is a safe and inclusive environment during the workshop, with a number of safety rules put in place, using anonymous generic examples, allowing participants to leave the room at any time, as well as engage as much or as little in the workshop as they want.
- This course can also be organized in person.
Trainers
Agnes Uhereczky
Agnes Uhereczky is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer at VIB. Agnes is an experienced and engaging trainer and facilitator and worked with many different organisations in the past.