New BSI Suicide Prevention Standard

Suicide is not just a personal issue. It is also a workplace issue. One that affects colleagues, teams and entire organisations. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released BS 30480, a new guide for employers, managers, and workplace professionals. It focuses on prevention, intervention, and support for people affected by suicide at work. It offers step-by-step guidance to help workplaces act confidently, compassionately, and effectively when it matters most.

Why This Standard Is So Important

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in working-age adults. In the UK, more than 5,000 people die by suicide each year. That’s around 13 lives lost every day. Men ages 45-49 have the highest suicide rates but the issue affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Many of those who take their own lives are in active employment at the time. Some may be struggling in silence, while others might have shown subtle signs that went unnoticed.

The ripple effects are vast. For every suicide, it’s estimated that 135 people are directly affected. These include colleagues, managers, clients, and support staff. The emotional toll can be immense. People often experience shock, guilt, confusion, grief, or vicarious trauma. In the workplace, the impact can be long-lasting. Teams may feel helpless. Productivity may drop. Absences and presenteeism can rise. Conversations around the incident may be avoided out of fear or uncertainty.

In some sectors, such as construction, agriculture, healthcare, and finance, suicide risk is even higher. Factors like high stress, long hours, job insecurity, isolation, and stigma can all increase vulnerability.

What Is BS 30480?

BS 30480 is the first British Standard focused entirely on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention in the workplace. It gives organisations practical, evidence-informed guidance to help protect employees and service users from suicide-related harm. It also supports teams in responding with compassion and care if someone is affected.

This standard outlines how to:

• Prevent suicide through strong policy and positive culture
• Support individuals who may be at risk
• Intervene safely when someone expresses suicidal thoughts
• Respond appropriately if suicide occurs in or outside the workplace
• Communicate clearly, compassionately, and responsibly
• Support the bereaved and those impacted
• Continuously monitor and improve procedures over time

BS 30480 is built on research, clinical insight, and lived experience. It reflects the voices of those who have experienced suicidal crisis, lost someone to suicide, or supported others through it. This makes the guidance human, realistic, and empathetic.

Who Is This Standard For?

BS 30480 is written for all organisations, regardless of size, sector, or structure. Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and this guide supports a joined-up approach.

It applies to:

Public Sector

NHS services, schools, police forces, prisons, universities, the armed-forces, and local or central government.

Third Sector

Charities, housing associations, youth groups, faith communities, social enterprises, and community organisations. 

Private Sector

Offices, construction sites, logistics, hospitality, call centres, retail, finance, agriculture, and freelancers or contractors.

It is especially relevant for:

• Line managers and team leaders
• HR and people professionals
• Occupational health and wellbeing lead
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) specialists
• Health and safety officers
• Risk managers and compliance teams
• Anyone responsible for workload, welfare, or work environments

BS 30480 gives each of these groups the tools to create safer workplaces. It also helps ensure staff know what to do, what not to say, and where to find further support.

Prevention: Creating a Safer Culture

Prevention starts with culture. Organisations must create an environment where people feel seen, safe, and supported. A culture where mental health is not just acknowledged, but prioritised.

BS 30480 encourages workplaces to:

• Include suicide prevention in mental health and wellbeing strategies
• Train managers to spot signs of distress early
• Encourage open, non-judgemental conversations.
• Promote available support services internally and externally
• Develop clear escalation routes for when someone needs help
• Learn from real experiences of those who’ve struggled or survived.

Creating a suicide-aware culture does jot mean knowing all the answers. It means being proactive rather than reactive, reducing stigma and promoting compassion. Research shows that stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help. A 2023 Mind survey found that over 60% of UK workers who struggled with suicidal thoughts did not tell their employer. A prevention-focused culture could save lives.

Intervention: Responding When Someone Is At Risk

When an individual is at risk of suicide, timing and tone are everything. How we respond can make a vital difference.

BS 30480 provides clear steps for intervention:

• Recognise signs that someone may be struggling
• Create a private, safe space for a conversation
• Listen calmly, without judgement or interruption
• Ask open questions and show genuine care
• Avoid making promises you can’t keep
• Refer to professional help and internal support channels
• Knowe when to involve trained mental health responders

The standard clearly states thar you are not expected to be a therapist. But you are expected to be prepared, present, and supportive.

Postvention: Supporting After Suicide

If a suicide or suicide attempt occurs, the workplace must act swiftly and sensitively. Postvention refers to the actions taken to support people affected by suicide. These actions are vital in preventing further trauma or harm.

BS 30480 recommends a thoughtful postvention strategy that includes:

• Timely and respectful communication with staff
• Honouring the privacy and wishes of the deceased’s family
• Giving employees space to grieve and reflect
• Providing access to counselling or peer support
• Monitoring teams for signs of distress or burnout
• Reviewing procedures and learning from the event

The way a workplace responds to suicide can affect how safe people feel for years afterwards. Some staff may feel guilty or fear blame, others may relive their own personal losses.

Six Steps to Implementing BS 30480 in Your Organisation

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start small, start smart, and build a plan.

Here are some steps to get going:

1. Review Your Current Policies
   Start by auditing your existing workplace policies. Does suicide feature in your wellbeing, mental health, or health and safety documents? If not, it’s time to update them. Make sure suicide prevention is explicitly referenced, and that your policies align with best practice. This sends a clear message that your organisation takes this seriously.
2. Identify Internal Champions
   Form a working group that brings together HR professionals, health and safety leads, occupational health, and wellbeing officers. Where appropriate, include people with lived experience to ensure your approach is compassionate and informed. Champions help drive change, raise awareness, and maintain momentum across departments.
3. Provide Targeted Training
   Equip managers and key staff with training in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Ensure they feel confident recognising early signs, having sensitive conversations, and knowing how to respond appropriately. Training should include how to support colleagues at risk, how to access help, and what to do following a suicide-related incident.
4. Promote Internal and External Resources
   Make support easy to find and visible across all channels. This includes promoting employee assistance programmes (EAPs), internal wellbeing services, and external helplines such as Samaritans, Shout, or Mind. Consider placing posters in staff rooms, sharing regular reminders in newsletters, and ensuring information is available on your intranet.
5. Create Communication Protocols
   Develop clear guidance on how to communicate after a suicide or suicide attempt. This includes who will lead communications, how to address the workforce, and how to support privacy and dignity. Poor communication can create confusion or distress – thoughtful, sensitive messaging protects mental health and maintains trust.
6. Evaluate and Adapt
   Suicide prevention is not a one-off task. Monitor how your policies, training, and communications are received. Gather feedback from staff. Track engagement with support services. Use this data to improve over time. Regular reviews help ensure your organisation stays responsive, supportive, and aligned with the needs of your people.

Our Workplace Training Support

Our Suicide Prevention Certified Ambassador Programme is proudly accredited by International Institute of Risk Management (IIRSM), demonstrating its high standards, professional quality, and practical relevance for the workplace.

The Suicide Prevention Certified Ambassador Programme

This full-day, certified training equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognise signs of suicidal ideation, initiate compassionate conversations, and support colleagues who may be at risk. Grounded in global best practice and informed by research from Institutions such as the University of Glasgow and the University of Salford, the programme draws on leading frameworks including Suicide First Aid. ASISIT, and PABBS.

Participant will also explore how neurodiversity can influence suicide risk, gaining insight into how individual differences affect mental health. The training promotes early intervention, psychological safety, and structured support, enabling participants to become effective and empathetic ambassadors within their organisations.

Part 1:

• Understand the current context, risk factors, and warning signs.
• Explore wider impacts, including societal effects and social media.

Part 2:

• Recognise warning signs, assess risk and respond with empathy.
• Initiate safe, supportive conversations and connect individuals to help.

Part 3:

• Understand grief, trauma, and the impact of sudden loss.
• Support others through suicide bereavement with awareness and signposting.