New Standard to Address Suicide

In an effort to provide organizations with practical and evidence-based recommendations to help plan for, respond to, and support people affected by suicide or those with thoughts of suicide in the workplace, a new international standard, BS 30480, was issued by BSI, a UK national standards body.

Research shows one in four adults has contemplated suicide and one in 13 has attempted it.

For every suicide death, at least 135 people, including colleagues, clients, and communities alike, are directly or indirectly affected.

This means suicide touches nearly every workplace at some point, whether through the loss of a colleague, supporting someone in crisis, or managing the complex emotional and operational aftermath. Yet organizations are not necessarily equipped to address this issue openly and effectively.

"Until now, suicide has been an often-overlooked issue within organizations, which could mean missed opportunities for prevention and support' said Anne Hayes, director of sectors and standards development at BSI, in a statement. "This standard provides a much-needed framework to empower employers and leaders to take meaningful action and help them build safe, compassionate workplaces where people feel supported and valued.

How it Works

The standard provides comprehensive guidance to help organizations effectively prevent and respond to suicide risk. This includes support for developing clear, effective policies and offers practical advice on identifying warning signs and addressing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

It outlines how to ask about suicide in a safe, direct way, as well as how to create individual safety plans tailored to those at risk.

Guidance is also provided on sensitive communication with individuals affected by suicide, including handling media enquiries appropriately.

Organizations are advised on when to seek specialist advice and how to commission suitable suicide prevention training. Additionally, the standard includes dedicated toolkits for human resources and line managers, ensuring a consistent, informed approach across all levels of the organization.

The world’s first standard on suicide awareness, Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide – Guide (BS 30480) is free to download and offers clear guidance for organizations of all sizes and sectors, including public bodies, charities, social enterprises, businesses, and commercial enterprises.

This new standard is relevant to managers, HR, health and safety, occupational health teams, and those involved in organizational well-being, diversity and inclusion, and learning and development. While it does not cover statutory safeguarding responsibilities or clinical treatment options, it signposts where such expertise can be sought.

Developed through a two-year collaboration between government, specialist charities, advocacy groups, and industry experts, BS 30480 is designed to complement existing research and guidance, consolidating good practice into a single, accessible framework.

“The standard brings together expert insight, lived experience, and practical guidance," said Hayes. "It is designed to not only raise awareness but also give organizations the tools they need to reduce risk, intervene effectively, and support those affected by suicide, or having thoughts about suicide, with dignity and sensitivity. We hope this will encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and ultimately help to save lives across every sector.”