Let’s build stronger workplaces together

This article contains discussions of suicide and related topics that may be distressing or triggering for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a trusted support service for help. Your well-being is important.

Winter weather, post-holiday fatigue, and financial stress can take a toll on our mood and mental wellbeing in January. But this year, there’s something encouraging to talk about that shifts the focus from feeling alone to acting together.

In November, the BSI published a new British Standard: BS30480: Suicide and the Workplace: Intervention, Prevention and Support. It provides structured, practical framework to help organisations of all sizes and sectors build cultures where people feel safe, seen and supported.

The Reality: Suicide Touches More Lives Than We Think

Suicide isn’t talked about enough, especially in work settings. But the truth is:

• Millions of adults have experienced thoughts of suicide — in the UK, roughly 1 in 4 adults have contemplated it, and 1 in 13 have attempted it at some point.
• When someone dies by suicide, at least 135 people are directly or indirectly affected, including colleagues, friends, and family.
• Suicide isn’t “rare” or distant — and workplaces of all sizes have people who are affected.¹

These aren’t just statistics — they’re reasons for action.

A New Way Forward: BS 30480 – Suicide and the Workplace

Suicide and the Workplace is the UK’s first workplace standard dedicated to suicide awareness and response. This is important for three big reasons:

It gives workplaces a clear framework

No more guessing — the standard lays out a practical, evidence-based approach to help organisations of all sizes plan, respond, and support people affected by suicide.

It helps remove stigma

Silence around suicide often comes from fear — fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of legal repercussions, fear of making things worse. The evidence shows that open and compassionate conversations can actually help reduce risk.

It’s adaptable, not overwhelming

BS 30480 isn’t a rigid rule — it’s a framework that fits into your existing wellbeing, HR, and health-and-safety practices.

What Does the New Standard Cover?

The standard assists workplaces in identifying risk factors and warning signs in a safe and sensitive manner. It guides the development of clear policies and prevention plans tailored to the culture and size of the organisation. Additionally, it provides support for individuals in crisis as well as those affected afterward, while promoting sensitive communication with staff, families, and communities following a loss. The standard empowers leaders and managers to engage in confident and compassionate conversations. Importantly, it does not assign clinical responsibility to everyone but instead focuses on fostering confidence, clarity, and compassion at all levels within the workplace.

You can start implementing the framework in your workplace by

• Reading and understanding the new standard and guidance.
• Reviewing your own policies and systems to identify areas to improve suicide support.
• Training your managers and staff to recognise signs of distress and hold supportive conversations.
• Normalising the conversation, encourage open and compassionate dialogue.

Mental wellbeing isn’t just crisis response — it’s about culture, connection, and care. Small steps like regular check-ins, supportive policies, and accessible resources make a real difference.

How we can help

Implementing frameworks of such a sensitive nature can be challenging. We’re here to help you understand your duties and responsibilities.

We can support organisations to:

• Implement BS 30480 – Suicide and the Workplace.
• Understand other expectations like UK Health and Safety (HSE) guidance.
• Identify and assess psychosocial risks.
• Develop practical, proportionate action plans.
• Support leaders with training and confidence.
• Embed wellbeing into existing health & safety systems.

Whether you’re just starting the conversation or looking to strengthen what you already have in place, we help turn guidance into real-world practice.

For more information, reach out directly to Mental Health & Wellbeing Practice Leader - Lorna Feeney. Alternatively, take the Marsh Suicide in the Workplace Self-Assessment to evaluate your current approach to managing suicide prevention, intervention and support within the workplace. 

Sources

1. BSI Knowledge