The BSIA is hosting its second Suicide First Aid Training class at BSIA HQ in Worcester on 22 October 2026 for essential training which supports compliance for the British Standard, BS30480, the world's first standard dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in the workplace.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the purpose and principles of BS 30480;
- Recognise the role workplaces can play in suicide prevention;
- Identify factors that may contribute to suicide risk in workplace settings;
- Respond appropriately when concerns are raised;
- Understand the importance of effective support following a suicide-related incident;
- Consider practical steps for embedding suicide awareness within organisational policies, procedures, and wellbeing strategies.
Participants will also gain a Suicide First Aider certificate for their efforts.
How this will help the industry
Security personnel often work in environments that expose them to a combination of risk factors associated with poor mental wellbeing, including:
- Lone working
- Irregular working patterns and hours
- Exposure to traumatic or distressing events
- Workplace violence
- High levels of responsibility with limited control
- Social isolation
The security industry is built around protecting people, property, and places. Frontline professionals often encounter vulnerable individuals, making awareness and intervention skills particularly valuable.
In England, ONS recorded 20 deaths by suicide among security professionals and related operations in 2020, 27 in 2021, and 32 in 2022. This a clear indication that suicide prevention and workplace support is essential and critical for the security industry.
BS 30480 offers a practical framework to recognise suicide risk and ensure appropriate support is available for employees that are affected by suicide. This is incredibly important in a sector where many people work alone and at tough hours, and will shape a more mentally healthy security industry.
For more information, please contact BSIA Training and Schemes Manager, Stephen Dutch.