The UK’s first workplace standard for suicide prevention

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched the UK’s first national standard dedicated to addressing suicide risk in the workplace. 

This guidance has been developed in collaboration with government, charities, and mental health experts. Like other BSI standards, it's free to download.

Why it matters

Research shows that one in four adults in the UK has contemplated suicide, and one in thirteen has attempted it. It's perhaps not unsurprising that one in five people experience suicide loss over their lifetime. Many won't talk about it.

What does the standard cover?

The standard provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for organisations of all sizes and sectors, including public bodies, charities, and commercial enterprises. 

It's designed to help employers:

• Identify and manage suicide risk in their workplace
• Strengthen policies and culture around suicide awareness
• Hold confident, compassionate conversations about suicide
• Support staff and families after suicide loss; and
• Embed clear processes so that managers know when and how to intervene to try and prevent staff from taking their own lives and, to support them if someone they know or work with has died in this way ("postvention").

Key features

The standard offers step-by-step advice to help you identify the warning signs, ask about suicide in a safe and direct way, and create individual safety plans for those at risk. It includes toolkits and dedicated resources for HR and line managers. It also explains how to support someone affected by suicide, including handling media enquiries; and when to seek expert advice and commission suitable suicide prevention training.

Legal and operational implications

While the standard is not a legal requirement, it supports existing duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and related regulations. 

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