case study
University of Salford Students' Union

Since 2022, we have been working closely with Atmosphere Bar at the University of Salford Students' Union to create a safer environment in the night time economy.

From our continued work with Atmosphere it is clear that they take the safety of their students seriously and after successfully delivering training sessions in the past, it was an exciting opportunity to return and continue strengthening our partnership. This latest training session aimed to build on previous work and further equip the staff with essential skills and knowledge to identify sexual violence, ensuring a positive and safe environment for all staff and students.

We looked closely at the different types of sexual violence in the night time economy  session focused on helping staff recognize the different formats that sexual violence can take, such as physical assault, harassment, and non-physical forms like coercion and manipulation. Staff were encouraged to identify subtle signs and understand that sexual violence can often be difficult to detect without the proper knowledge.

Participants were also informed about the appropriate channels for reporting incidents, with a specific emphasis on HR procedures. This ensured that staff understood their responsibilities and the importance of maintaining confidentiality and support when reporting any incidents of sexual violence or harmful behaviour.

Outcomes: The training session covered several key outcomes:

  1. Understanding Team Values: Participants developed a clearer understanding of the team values and how these align with creating a welcoming, respectful, and safe place for all customers.
  2. Effective Allyship: Staff learned why staff and customers often fail to intervene and were provided with intervention techniques to become effective allies in situations of harm.
  3. Recognising Sexual Violence: Staff became more aware of the various forms of sexual violence, including suspicious behaviours, and how these may manifest in a nightlife setting. 
  4. Understanding Perpetrator Motives: Participants gained a deeper insight into the characteristics and behaviours of perpetrators of sexual violence, spiking and hate crimes, helping them better identify potential risks and act appropriately.
  5. Intervention Techniques: The staff were trained on a range of intervention techniques,to effectively manage situations of harm.
  6. Victim-Led Approach: The concept of being victim-led was explored, helping participants understand how to empower victims when responding to disclosures.
  7. Victim Support Procedures: Staff learned about the support available to victims and why adopting a victim-led approach is essential in any response.
  8. Reporting Processes: Participants were equipped with clear knowledge on how to report incidents, ensuring the process is both effective and sensitive to the needs of those affected. This included an overview of the reporting processes through HR to ensure incidents are properly documented and addressed.
  9. Real-Life Application: The session concluded with real life scenarios where staff could apply their knowledge and practice intervention techniques in simulated real-life situations, preparing them for potential incidents in the night-time economy.

It has been a pleasure to continue our partnership with the Atmosphere Bar team since 2022. This training session not only built on the progress we've made in previous years but also helped reinforce the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful environment for everyone at the University of Salford. The staff were highly engaged throughout the session, and their commitment to creating a safer space for patrons was evident in their participation and feedback.

If you want to hear more about the work we do with Students’ Unions and the workshops we deliver then please click this link to go on our website. 

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Andy, Venue Manager
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