Sexual Harassment Training for Birmingham City Football Club

The training used traditional training approaches alongside drama performances to bring the latest research and issues to life. The realistic drama, character interaction and facilitated discussion to explore what sexual harassment can look like in the workplace. It also examined how workplace culture can influence behaviour, prevention and reporting.

Two tailored programmes were delivered. The wider workforce programme focused on recognising sexual harassment and understanding how colleagues can act as responsible bystanders. A separate programme helped managers explore their prevention responsibilities and how to respond to concerns and conduct investigation meetings.

"Loudmouth completely changed the feel of sexual harassment training. Rather than another PowerPoint presentation, colleagues experienced something engaging, real and thought-provoking. The response was incredibly positive, it created conversations, challenged thinking and, most importantly, stuck with people." Phil McQuillen - Inclusion & Wellbeing Lead, Birmingham City Football Club

Rather than relying on presentations or e-learning, the sessions brought recognisable workplace situations to life through believable characters and scenarios.

Whilst some participants were initially unsure about the use of theatre they quickly engaged and found it a useful way to underatand the issues. They could see how inappropriate language or behaviour might develop, consider its impact on those involved and discuss the choices available to colleagues and managers. This helped open up conversations about grey areas, behaviours sometimes dismissed as “banter” and the reasons why someone experiencing harassment may not feel able to challenge or report it themselves.

THE APPROACH

The evaluation results showed a very positive response. Participants commented on the research and performance, describing the scenes as “very believable”, with many commenting that the approach was more memorable and thought-provoking than conventional training.

Of the 89 participants who completed an evaluation:

• 96.6% rated the training above average or excellent
• 96.6% would recommend it to colleagues
• 86.5% said they much preferred Loudmouth’s interactive approach to other training methods

INCREASED AWARENESS AND CONFIDENCE

• 86.4% reported a considerable or great increase in their awareness of the impact of sexual harassment.
• 80.3% reported this level of increase in their understanding of the bystander role.

Crucially, participants did not simply say they knew more. They identified actions they intended to take, including challenging inappropriate behaviour, checking in with colleagues, using distraction or de-escalation, reporting concerns and being more thoughtful about their own language.

“Loudmouth created a safe and engaging way for colleagues to explore a subject that can sometimes be difficult to talk about. The theatrical style of delivery really brought the subject to life, making the training feel relevant, impactful and memorable. It encouraged open conversation, reflection and challenge, and the feedback from colleagues was extremely positive.” Clare Avery - Head of People and Culture, Birmingham City Football Club

The training created a shared language around sexual harassment and reinforced that everyone has a part to play in creating a safer and more respectful workplace. By allowing people to see situations unfold and explore what they could do differently, drama helped turn an important workplace subject into practical learning that participants could understand, remember and apply.

To find out how your organisation could use Loudmouth's approach to sexual harassment training contact us on 0121 446 4880 or email enquiry@loudmouth.co.uk