Beyond the tick-box: new standards for workplace mental health first aid will set the standard for employers

The first national standards for workplace mental health first aid have been launched.

Developed by MHFA England and the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, the Standards aim to provide employers with a practical framework for delivering consistent and effective mental health support across their organisations. 

Why are the standards important? 

Mental health continues to be a significant workplace challenge and is estimated to cost UK employers £51 billion each year.

According to MHFA England, one-third of employers reported that an employee had taken long-term sickness absence because of poor mental health during the previous year, while a quarter had experienced an employee resigning for the same reason. 

Against that backdrop, the new standards aim to establish a consistent benchmark for good practice and help employers build sustainable support systems rather than relying solely on ad hoc initiatives or one-off training programmes.

What do the standards cover?

The framework sets out nine standards organised around four key stages:

• Getting the foundations right
• Building a Mental Health First Aider network
• Maintaining quality and effectiveness; and
• Embedding mental health support into workplace culture.

A central theme throughout the framework is that workplace mental health support should be treated as an ongoing organisational commitment rather than a standalone wellbeing initiative. 

Treating mental health with the same importance as physical health

One of the most significant messages is that employers should approach mental health in the same way they approach physical health and safety.

That means having a structured and proactive approach, including:

• clear policies and procedures;
• defined escalation routes for employees needing support
• governance arrangements for Mental Health First Aid provision; and
• accountability for overseeing mental health support.

The standards also recommend appointing a designated lead responsible for coordinating and monitoring workplace mental health first aid arrangements.

Importantly, senior leaders are expected to play an active role in supporting mental health initiatives. Visible leadership support helps build trust and encourages employees to seek support when they need it.

Building an effective Mental Health First Aider network

The standards provide detailed guidance on how employers should recruit, support and manage Mental Health First Aiders.

The framework also addresses workforce coverage. It suggests that organisations employing more than 50 people should have at least one MHFAider for every 50 employees and, where possible, work towards a ratio of one MHFAider for every 25 employees. 

Employers are also encouraged to consider diversity within their MHFAider network so that employees can access support from someone with whom they feel comfortable. 

Training is only part of the picture

MHFAiders should complete accredited, evidence-based training, undertake refresher training or repeat a full MHFA course at least every three years, and be supported through ongoing professional development and peer learning. 

It's also recommended that MHFAiders should be:

• given protected time to carry out their responsibilities
• opportunities to debrief and access peer support; and
• suitable private spaces for confidential conversations.

Managers also have a key role to play. They need to understand the purpose of Mental Health First Aid, what first aiders will and won't do and how to direct employees towards appropriate support services.

That's because MHFAiders are not mental health professionals. Employers should therefore ensure that robust escalation procedures exist for situations involving suicide risk, self-harm or other serious concerns. 

What should employers do now?

Many employers already have Mental Health First Aiders in place. The standards provide an opportunity to review whether those arrangements are delivering meaningful support or whether further investment is needed.

HR teams may wish to consider:

• reviewing current MHFAider coverage and training arrangements
• assessing whether clear governance and escalation processes are in place
• providing ongoing support and supervision for MHFAiders
• evaluating whether managers understand their responsibilities; and
• considering whether workplace policies adequately address mental health and wellbeing.

Growing momentum for stronger workplace standards

A number of organisations, including PwC, WHSmith and Simplyhealth, have already pledged support for the standards as early adopters. At the same time, MHFA England reports that 90% of Mental Health First Aiders believe mental health first aid training should become a legal workplace requirement. 

Whether or not mandatory requirements emerge in the future, the publication of these standards reflects growing expectations that employers will have clear, well-supported arrangements in place to safeguard employee mental health.

For HR professionals, the framework offers a useful benchmark for assessing the arrangements in their organisations and start to identify where these can be improved. 

Our newsletters

We publish monthly employment and education law updates covering the latest legal developments and practical guidance for employers. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please get in touch.