Mind Matters, a mental health consultancy in Jersey, is calling on local businesses and public organisations to review and update their workplace wellbeing policies.
The call follows the publication of BS 30480, the UK’s first national standard dedicated to suicide awareness in the workplace.
The new BSI (British Standards Institution) policy, titled ‘Suicide and the Workplace – Intervention, Prevention and Support for People Affected by Suicide’, provides a practical, research-backed framework to help organisations prepare for, respond to, and support those affected by suicide. It includes guidance on identifying warning signs, having compassionate conversations, creating safety plans, and supporting bereaved staff.
Why this matters in Jersey
- Jersey already has a formal Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2025–2029 that emphasises workforce capability, training, and building a supportive system across the island.
- Yet, many employers in Jersey may not be fully prepared: even organisations with good wellbeing policies can lack specific protocols to address suicide risk, intervention, and post-vention.
- The cost of not being prepared can be high, not just in human terms, but in terms of organisational resilience, morale, and reputation.
Mind Matters is calling on organisations in Jersey to take the following action:
- Review & Refresh – Mind Matters recommends that all organisations in Jersey review their existing wellbeing and mental health policies to ensure they explicitly cover suicide risk, intervention, and post-vention.
- Embed the Standard – Use BS 30480 as a blueprint: develop or revise procedures, train line managers and HR, and build in regular reviews.
- Train Compassionately – Equip staff with the skills to have sensitive conversations about suicide, including how to ask directly and safely, and how to respond.
- Create Support Pathways – Establish internal and external support mechanisms (e.g., referral processes, safety plans, bereavement support) and communicate these clearly to all staff.
- Align with Jersey Strategy – Ensure any policy updates dovetail with Jersey’s Suicide Prevention Strategy objectives, reinforcing the island-wide commitment to reduce stigma and improve prevention.
Michelle Buckles, Co-founder of Mind Matters commented: “Suicide isn’t just a personal tragedy, it reverberates throughout our communities and workplaces.”
Lydia Falle, Co-founder of Mind Matters added: “With BSI’s new standard, there is a clear, actionable framework available. We believe that every Jersey organisation has a responsibility and an opportunity, to build a safer, more compassionate working environment. Updating your wellbeing policy isn’t just good mental health practice; it’s good business and good humanity.”
