Have you heard about the new BSI standard for suicide and the workplace?

The British Standards Institution (BSI), the UK’s national standards body, has published a landmark framework to help organisations address suicide in workplace settings.

With over 34 million people in employment across the UK*, the standard offers practical tools and best‑practice guidance to empower organisations to:

• Review policies and culture - assess existing policies and procedures, spot gaps and boost leadership commitment                     
• Build staff confidence - provide access to training, raise awareness, and clarify roles and responsibilities
• Respond and support planning - set clear processes, ensure post‑suicide support and care for those affected
• Engage and communicate - share the standard internally, secure leadership buy‑in, and pledge to safer workplaces.

Developed with input from over 70 organisations and individual experts - including ZSA members and colleagues at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust - this initiative marks a major step toward creating compassionate, supportive workplaces nationwide.

Dr Claire Iveson, ZSA Director and Clinical and Strategic Lead for Zero Suicide at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It has been a privilege to contribute to the drafting and reviewing of these new BSI standards.

We know that many workplaces, large and small, want to play their part in supporting staff affected by suicide, but often don’t know where to begin.

The new BSI standards on suicide and the workplace provide a clear framework with guidance to strengthen policies and establish practices that are meaningful and long‑lasting.

We hope this guidance will not only equip workplaces with useful tools but also foster compassion, reduce stigma, and create safer, more supportive environments for employees nationwide."

Become a suicide-aware workplace