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.
Suicide isn’t talked about enough, especially in work settings. But the truth is:
These aren’t just statistics — they’re reasons for action.
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.
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
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.
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:
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
Learn more. Speak to our Mental Health & Wellbeing Practice Leader, Lorna Feeney.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Practice Leader, Marsh – Risk Consulting
Lorna is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist Practitioner, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Head of Mental Health risk management for Marsh. Utilising her own and others’ experiences, Lorna provides a unique and people-centred approach to help organisations navigate mental health and wellbeing matters.
