A new standard on suicide and the workplace
Last month saw the launch in Westminster of the British Standards Institution’s (BSI) standard on suicide and the workplace.
It’s the world’s first standard specifically designed to address suicide risk and its impact in the workplace, providing employers with a framework to better protect and support their employees. Over 120 people attended the launch, including some high profile speakers, as well as MPs.
Around 70 organisations were involved in creating the standard, including the Charlie Waller Trust, represented by mental health trainer Julie Castleman.
Julie describes herself as “passionate about suicide prevention” and much of her work for the Trust has focused on this, both in the workplace and in education. She believes the standard can make a real difference.
“Without it, we continue to have suicide as a secret taboo topic that nobody discusses,” she says. “A big part of suicide prevention is exactly what it says – prevention. It’s about what we can do to create mentally healthy suicide-safer spaces for people. By providing the standard, we can review the whole culture around talking about mental health and suicide and break down some of those barriers.”
Coming together
It was Marcus Long, chief executive of the Independent International Organisation of Assurance, who approached the BSI, prompted by the need for something good to come out of the suicide of his son Adam. Julie explains how the process began nearly two years ago:
“We first met to discuss what a standard might look like. It was amazing, all these different people coming together – from government, education, the charitable sector, people with lived experience – and we all agreed on a shared goal with the aim to save lives.”
BS 30480 Suicide and the Workplace covers three key areas: suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
That includes support for developing clear, effective policies; practical advice on identifying warning signs and addressing suicidal thoughts; and guidance on sensitive communication with everyone (individuals, the family, the wider staff body) affected by suicide.
Effective preparation
Julie believes approaching postvention effectively can make a big difference. She says: “Being prepared for what we need to do in the instance of a loss of life to suicide feeds into prevention too. It's also important that we are prepared to support all people affected by suicide, including people returning to work or education following a crisis, and those who support others.
“If we have a robust procedure in place and look after people, it reduces the risk of people feeling isolated, grieving and not knowing how to manage that.
“The difference is going to be that people will feel more knowledgeable, more prepared; there’ll be less stigma, and it will save lives. That’s the ultimate goal, to save lives.”
Continuing the conversation
The standard is important for the work the Trust does with the people who work with and support young people, whether that’s in the workplace (through Charlie Waller Workplace), or in educational settings. We hope that it will continue to open up the conversation about suicide and ensure that more organisations work proactively to look after wellbeing.
BS 30480 is available to download free of charge here: https://bit.ly/3IfGT4m
