About Workplace Mental Health
On 19th November 2025, BS 30480 was officially launched at Speaker’s House in the Palace of Westminster, marking a watershed moment for suicide prevention in the workplace across the UK. As the Chair of BS 30480’s drafting committee, our founder Peter Kelly was interviewed at the event about the significance of this groundbreaking standard and what it means for organisations across every sector.
Watch the Interview
What Is BS 30480? Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
BS 30480 is the world’s first British Standard dedicated to suicide intervention, prevention and support in the workplace. Developed over two years by a committee of more than 70 experts — including people with lived experience, workplace practitioners, clinicians and specialist charities — it provides organisations with a practical, principles-based framework to plan for, respond to and support people when suicide impacts their workplace.
The standard offers clear guidance on recognising suicide risk, responding appropriately, creating individual safety plans and communicating sensitively with those affected. It is designed to ensure that people across the workplace feel able to respond with care, competence and confidence.
Why BS 30480 Matters for Workplace Suicide Prevention
The statistics speak for themselves. One in four adults in the UK has experienced thoughts of suicide. For every suicide death, at least 135 people are directly or indirectly affected — including colleagues, clients and communities. Research suggests that around 10% of suicides may be work-related, yet until now there has been no dedicated workplace standard to address this.
BS 30480 changes that. It gives organisations of all sizes and sectors a clear, evidence-informed framework for taking meaningful action.
The Launch at Speaker’s House
The launch event at the Palace of Westminster brought together committee members, charities, government stakeholders and end users to recognise the hard work behind the standard’s development, its real-life impact and how organisations can use it to make a difference. It was a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing BS 30480 to life.
Download the Standard
BS 30480 is available to download for free. Whether you are a large employer or a small business just beginning your journey with suicide prevention, there are resources to support you:
- Download BS 30480 — The full British Standard for implementing suicide support in the workplace.
- Download the First Steps Guide to BS 30480 — Perfect for smaller businesses or those just starting out.
At Being Real, we believe every workplace has a role to play in supporting mental health and preventing suicide. If you would like guidance on implementing BS 30480 in your organisation, get in touch — we are here to help.