1 Scope
This British Standard gives guidance to organizations on prevention, intervention and support for people affected by suicide.
It covers policies and systematic prevention and intervention practices for workers and other people in contact with the organization (e.g. service users, customers, suppliers, contractors, partners) who might be experiencing thoughts of suicide and suicide 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 that can be implemented, and the 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 affected 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);
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the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, (e.g. charities, faith settings, independent education providers, housing associations, youth groups, clubs); and
business and commercial sectors (e.g. construction, financial services, call centre environments and includes freelancers and contractors).
This British Standard is applicable to all workers, but of particular use to managers, human resources (HR) teams, health and safety (H&S) teams and occupational health (OH) teams, as well as those in organizational health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, learning and development and organizational development teams. It is also of use to those who are responsible for managing performance, workload, mental health and wellbeing 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).
NOTE This sector might also be known as the third sector.