We travelled to Reading to deliver a training session to Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) on identifying, preventing and responding to inappropriate behaviour and safeguarding incidents in their venues on campus.

In light of the fact that RUSU has the biggest night club in the city on their campus, we worked hard with their management team prior to delivery to make the training session bespoke to their needs, structures and current procedures in the venue already.

We collaborated with RUSU to incorporate some of their already existing methods and tools to respond to inappropriate behaviour in the night time economy with our prevention and victim-focussed response techniques to build our bespoke training session. We assessed and reviewed internal procedures of the University of Reading and built a bespoke package of policies and procedures that work with existing reporting and disciplinary actions. Our training session and materials ensure staff are well equipped to prevent and respond to incidents of sexual violence and other forms of inappropriate behaviour, such as hate incidents and hate crimes. We focussed on how to intervene in situations depending on the level of hostility and the needs of the victim, in a way that prevents further harm from being caused.

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'I really enjoyed the case study exercise as it got everyone thinking outside of the box and showed us how we can implement what we'd learned in real life situations. I also found the definitions of sexual harassment and sexual assault really useful. I really enjoyed the passion that the trainers brought to the session! It's so nice to see an organisation that's driven by such amazing values - your knowledge and experience in the topics that were covered was second to none!' - Rebecca Crane, Operations Manager (Bars and Ents), RUSU

Andy, Venue Manager

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October 2023

We partnered with Reading Students’ Union to deliver a comprehensive training session for bars, clubs and pubs on student campus. This workshop focused on equipping staff with the skills to identify, prevent, and respond to incidents of spiking, sexual violence, domestic violence, hate incidents, and hate crimes.

With nightlife venues being fast-paced and high-risk environments, the session emphasised recognising early warning signs, effective intervention strategies, and appropriate response measures. We also covered emerging spiking trends, ensuring staff were prepared for evolving risks.

Using real-life scenarios, we helped supervisors practice proactive intervention. We also emphasised effective allyship, using scenarios to help supervisors practice recognising and addressing potential harm.

By the end of the session, bar staff had gained practical tools and confidence to help make campus a safer space for students.

October 2024

For over three years, we have had the privilege of working with Reading Students’ Union, helping them improve safety on their campus through our Safe Place Project, and more specifically at their campus bar, 3sixty. Reading Students’ Union is one of our most valued partnerships, their commitment to safety for students is unparalleled and it is our privilege to be able to continue to work with them year on year to maintain and improve these standards. We returned in October 2024 to deliver an in-depth, four-hour session aimed to equip bar supervisors with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to a range of safety concerns, including spiking, sexual violence, domestic violence, hate incidents, and hate crimes.

As part of our ongoing collaboration with Reading Students’ Union, this workshop was designed to address the unique challenges faced by bar staff in a busy, dynamic setting, where alcohol is being served and large numbers of students gather. Our goal was to empower supervisors to create a safer environment for all students and staff by giving them the tools they need to spot the signs of potential harm, intervene effectively, and respond appropriately to incidents of harm.

A central focus of the session was providing supervisors with the most up-to-date information on current spiking methods and trends, including chewing gum and vape spiking. As spiking remains a major concern in nightlife and student social spaces, it is vital for bar staff to be aware of the different ways in which perpetrators might try to spike people — whether through the use of substances or other harmful tactics.

Another key part of the workshop was focused on practical skills — specifically, how to be an effective ally and intervene in situations where harm is happening or may be escalating. We used real-life scenarios, drawing from the experiences of victims of spiking, sexual violence, and hate incidents, to help the supervisors think through what they would do in those situations.

These scenarios were designed to engage participants, giving them the chance to step into real life situations and use the knowledge they had gained throughout the session. For example, we presented them with a scenario where a person’s behaviour suddenly changed after a drink was served, prompting them to consider how they could assess the situation and intervene effectively or use deterrence techniques to stop it happening in the first place. The goal was to help supervisors recognise the signs of potential harm, trust their instincts, and take appropriate steps to help — whether that involved speaking with the individual in question, offering assistance to someone who seems in distress, or alerting security or emergency services.

This hands-on approach to training not only helped reinforce the information provided but also allowed participants to practice key techniques in a low-risk environment, boosting their confidence in real-life situations.

Our partnership with Reading Students’ Union has been incredibly rewarding, and this most recent workshop marks another important step in our shared mission to create safer, more supportive spaces for students. By equipping bar supervisors with the right skills, knowledge, and confidence, we are not only helping prevent harm but also fostering a culture where students feel protected, respected, and supported at all times.

The real value of our work with Reading Students' Union is the ongoing partnership we’ve built over the years. This latest workshop is part of a broader effort to create safer social spaces across the Reading campus, ensuring that safety isn’t just about responding to incidents, but also about building an environment where people can have fun, connect, and feel secure.