BSI Publishes UK’s First Workplace Suicide Risk Standard 

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• BSI Publishes UK’s First Workplace Suicide Risk Standard 

06 November 2025

New guidance to help employers support people affected by suicide and those with thoughts of suicide in the workplace has been published by The British Standards Institution.

The free guide, developed through a two-year collaboration between government, specialist charities and advocacy groups, offers organisations information to prevent and respond to suicide risk. 

The standard does not cover statutory safeguarding responsibilities or clinical treatment options, but signposts employers to where such expertise can be found.

The guide, “Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide – Guide (BS 30480)”, 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. 

In 2024, 5717 suicides were registered in England, 61 more than in 2023. The latest data from mental health charity Mind shows that 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 are directly or indirectly affected

Sarah McIntosh, CEO, Mental Health First Aid England said: “I have lived experience of suicide behaviour in my youth and sadly my workplace did not know what to say or how to support my return to work. I have many conversations with people still today about this still being true today. My work at MHFA England also shows the powerful difference that employers can make in the support and recovery of people and support for colleagues when someone dies by suicide in their workplace. These standards are important as they show employers what good practice is prevention, intervention and postvention.”

If you are worried about someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, Samaritans have some useful resources here. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, day or night, 365 days a year.

Picture: a photograph of a person seated at a desk, wearing a telephone headset, looking at a piece of paper. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 06 November 2025

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