Awareness Course
Recognising and Responding to Suicide Risk at Work
Aligned to BS 30480:2025 – Suicide and the Workplace
This session reinforces that it is OK to ask directly about suicide, and that direct questions can save lives.
Who is it for?
The following roles will benefit from this training:
- Line managers and supervisors
- Workers and employees at all levels
- Health, safety, wellbeing and HR teams
What is it?
This course provides practical “thinking points” to help people recognise and respond safely to suicide risk in the workplace, aligned to BS 30480:2025.
It covers:
- Why workplaces are part of the solution and why suicide prevention is a shared responsibility
- Understanding that suicide risk is multi-factorial and influenced by personal, relationship and workplace factors
- Recognising warning signs, including behavioural, emotional, psychological and verbal indicators
- How to have the conversation: listening more than you speak, avoiding guilt or shame language, and asking clearly and directly when needed
- What to do when risk appears immediate: assessing urgency, not promising confidentiality, and escalating appropriately (including emergency response)
- Support and signposting: knowing internal procedures and external support routes
By the end of the course, learners will understand how to notice potential risk, start a safe conversation, ask direct questions when needed, and connect a colleague to appropriate support.
Why is it offered?
Suicide is a significant public health issue in the UK, and workplaces play an important role in creating an environment where people feel able to seek help.
Many managers and employees have never received training on how to respond if someone discloses suicidal thoughts. This course is offered to build confidence, provide practical guidance on what to say and do, and reinforce that asking directly about suicide does not increase risk.
It also supports organisations to strengthen their internal readiness through policy, training, follow-up and signposting — because a crisis is not the time to learn what to do.
How long does it take?
About 50 minutes.
How often is it recommended?
Annually.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes
