Guidance for addressing suicide risk in workplace settings: BS 30480

The BSI (UK’s National Standards Body) has published a new framework for organisations to address suicide risk.  It was developed with input from over 70 organisations (including the City of London Corporation’s suicide prevention lead) and individual experts, including employers, government, healthcare professionals, and leading mental health and suicide prevention charities.

The standard offers practical guidance to help organisations act with consistency, compassion and confidence. 

Why is this important? 

BSI’s standards have a tangible impact on organizations and society. An example of impact: BS 30416 on Menstrual & Menopausal Health in the Workplace.

• Downloaded in 139 countries
• Adopted by The Welsh Parliament, Virgin Media O2, and others

This new suicide prevention standard has the potential to drive similar widespread change.

What does BS 30480 cover?

Awareness

• Suicide risk factors and warning signs
• Whole workplace culture and meeting worker needs

Intervention

• Asking about suicide; what to say, what to avoid
• Toolkits for human resources and line managers

Support after a suicide

• Considerations for and communicating with bereaved family, colleagues and wider community

It is designed for:

• Organisations of all sizes, including SMEs
• Public, private, and voluntary sectors
• Workplaces, service providers, and community settings

How can organisations use BS 30480?

Review policies and culture

• Use the standard to assess existing policies and procedures
• Identify gaps in organisational readiness 
• Strengthen leadership commitment and governance 

Build staff confidence

• Commission training and awareness initiatives
• Increase your staff’s confidence in recognising and appropriately responding to signs of distress
• Clarify roles and responsibilities across business areas

Response and support planning

• Develop clear and consistent processes
• Ensure support after a suicide is in place for individuals and teams
• Create individual safety plans
• Communicate with family members in the case of an employee’s suicide

Engage and communicate

• Share the standard internally to build understanding and buy-in
• Use it to engage senior leaders, boards, and stakeholders
• Pledge your commitment to creating safer, more supportive workplaces

First Steps for SMEs

Suicide and the Workplace: A Practical First Steps Guide is BSI’s simplified guide to help smaller organisations and those with fewer resources engage with BS 30480. 

• Focuses on five achievable actions to help you get started
• Includes key information about suicide and its relevance in workplace settings
• Builds understanding of BS 30480, with tailored guidance for SMEs and freelancers
• Includes practical examples and quotes from early adopters of the standard

Download the full guide for free here: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/suicide-and-the-workplace-intervention-prevention-and-support-for-people-affected-by-suicide-guide. 

It was written by Caroline Roodhouse, a best-selling author, speaker and Strategic Communications and Well-being Specialist with lived experience of suicide loss.