Suicide prevention in the veterinary workplace
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, and research suggests that for every life taken, another 135 people are impacted. Suicide prevention and support for those affected by suicide is therefore everyone's responsibility, not just those who work in healthcare or as part of voluntary and community organisations.
Suicide prevention and the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI)
Suicide prevention plays a large part in the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative’s (MMI) preventative work. Its five-year strategy focuses on tackling systemic issues within the veterinary profession to minimise the chance of people becoming unwell. We aim to produce evidence-based resources and guidance that will help us to support each other.
From 1 April 2026, the Core Standards of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) require all accredited practices to implement a practice-specific suicide prevention plan, assessing potential risks within the practice setting and establishing measures to address and mitigate each identified risk. The new requirement is included in the Core Standards of the PSS for all three practice types – small animal, equine and farm animal. Practices that are not within the PSS also need to meet the requirement in line with Section 4.3 of the Code of Professional Conduct which states that: ‘Veterinary surgeons must maintain minimum practice standards equivalent to the Core Standards of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.’
The PSS requirements for a suicide prevention plan recognise that different practices will need different approaches, depending on factors such as the size of the practice, organisational structure. Other factors may include access to lethal medicines and firearms, and the likelihood of staff working alone.
To support practices in meeting the new PSS standard, the Mind Matters Initiative have partnered with the RCVS PSS team and renowned expert Peter Kelly to develop a number of resources aligned with the new British Standard ‘BS 30480 on Suicide and the Workplace’ which was launched in 2025.
Meet the experts
Several of our resources have been developed in collaboration with subject matter experts who bring extensive experience in workplace mental health and suicide prevention.
Peter Kelly
Peter, a mental health advocate and Founder of Being Real Workplace Mental Health Solutions, has extensive experience in the mental health field which has led him to specialise in workplace mental health and suicide prevention and interventions. Peter helped establish BS 30480: Suicide and the Workplace, a standard that guides organisations in developing suicide prevention and intervention strategy.
His decorated career includes working on the 2004 UK Stress Management Standard (the first of its kind) and being technical committee member on the ISO 45003 standard (the first internationally agreed standard for psychological health and safety at work).
His passion for mental wellbeing is rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health at work. He is committed to reducing the stigma around mental health, by encouraging open dialogue. His goal is to ensure that every workplace prioritises mental health, empowering individuals to thrive and seek help when needed. Through Being Real, he continues to make a significant impact on workplace culture and safety.
Sarah Ambrose
Sarah is a business psychologist, accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor, and specialist in workplace mental health and suicide prevention. With over 20 years’ experience across the UK and international markets, she combines strategic expertise, psychological insight, and authentic human connection in everything she does.
Sarah was one of a small group of experts invited to contribute to the development of BS 30480: Suicide and the Workplace — the UK’s first workplace suicide prevention standard, now used worldwide.
She designs and delivers bespoke training programmes, leadership development, and organisational change initiatives across both public and private sectors. Her approach moves organisations beyond awareness into meaningful behavioural and cultural change — creating psychologically safe, high-performing workplace cultures where people feel supported and able to thrive.
Dr Rosie Alister MRCVS
Rosie has received the British Veterinary Association Chiron Award and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Impact Award for work on veterinary mental health. She works as the consultant manager for Vetlife Helpline, a 24-hour support service for the veterinary community. She also coordinates Vetlife’s suicide postvention response for veterinary workplaces.
Her research, based at the University of Edinburgh, looks at veterinary professionals’ mental health, wellbeing in transitions, and suicide prevention and postvention. She has volunteered as a listening volunteer with Samaritans for 21 years and is a trustee of Samaritans in the UK and Ireland.
Further CPD and resources
Improve your understanding of suicide and suicide prevention
Our free ‘suicide awareness fundamentals’ course on the RCVS Academy examines the factors that can contribute to suicide in the professions. Developed in collaboration with veterinary mental health expert Dr Rosie Allister MRCVS, it aims to build confidence in talking about and responding to suicide-related situations with sensitivity and care.
To access the RCVS Academy, log in to your MyRCVS Account.
Samaritans
Samaritans has advice on how to develop a ‘safety plan’ to support someone with suicidal thoughts.
Vetlife
Vetlife have developed a useful suicide postvention guide to support anyone following a suicide.
PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS also offer a debrief service for anyone affected by suicide.
Need support now?
If you need more urgent help and support, you can contact NHS 111 in England, Scotland, and Wales/Cymru, or Lifeline in Northern Ireland on 0808 808 8000 to receive support and advice. You can also contact a GP Surgery and ask for an emergency appointment.
If you are in crisis or need immediate medical help call 999 and ask for an Ambulance or visit your local A&E department.
For enquiries about RCVS voluntary practice accreditation and standards for veterinary practices:
Phone: 020 7202 0767
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
RCVS Mind Matters doesn't offer direct support and advice services. Our role is to raise awareness and share reliable, evidence-based information about mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary professions. If you need support, please explore our ‘Get support’ page for further information.
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