Standards Development

Scope

This British Standard gives guidance to organizations and managers on prevention, intervention and support for people affected by suicide in the workplace.

It covers policies and systematic prevention and intervention practices for people in an organization and/or those using its services, who might be experiencing suicide thoughts and behaviours, or supporting someone who is, might be, or might know someone who has been affected by suicide.

Informed by relevant data, research and lived experience, it describes the types of processes required, ways to monitor and adjust those measures to maintain their effectiveness and impact. It also highlights where specialist advice might be needed.

It provides guidance on sensitive and responsible communications, including with those bereaved by suicide, and on ways to support them.

This British Standard is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size and type, and inclusive of:

•           the public sector (e.g. educational and academic institutions, police services, NHS, local and central government, prisons, armed forces);

•           the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector, (e.g. charities, faith settings, independent education providers, housing associations, youth groups, clubs); and

NOTE This sector might also be known as the third sector.

•           business and commercial sectors (e.g. construction, financial services, call centre environments and includes freelancers and contractors).

This British Standard is of use to managers, human resources teams, health and safety teams, occupational health teams, as well as those in organizational health and well-being, and diversity and inclusion. It is also for those workers who are responsible for managing performance, workload, mental health well-being and work environments.

This British Standard does not cover:

•           situations where statutory responsibilities such as safeguarding apply; and

•           medical guidance or clinical options outside of the workplace (but includes reference to relevant sources where such information is available).