Following the BSIA Head of MarComms, Liz Lloyd, becoming a Suicide First Aider, and the BSIA working towards complete BS 30480 compliance, the BSIA is proud to announce that it is pioneering Suicide First Aid Training in sector specific courses.
BS 30480 is the first standard that is dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in the workplace. It provides organisations with a practical framework to identify and manage suicide risk in the workplace, guide intervention in moments of crisis, strengthen workplace policies and culture, and offer approaches to support workplaces in the event of suicide loss.
Course Introduction
The BSIA are offering a preferentially priced course to allow security professionals to become Suicide First Aiders. Prior to our first course, we are offering a webinar with our specialist trainer for information on the course and an opportunity for anybody of interest to ask questions.
The webinar will be held on: 3 September 2026 – 11:00 – 11:45am
To book your place on the webinar, please contact BSIA Senior Marketing and Communications Executive, Chelsea Peplow.
Course Information
The first BS 30480 course will be hosted in-person at BSIA HǪ, on the 24 September 2026.
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.
For more information, please contact BSIA Training and Schemes Manager, Stephen Dutch.
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.
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