The topic of suicide is all too often a discussion avoided due to its tragic and uncomfortable nature. However, the reality is that there are 6,000 deaths by suicide in the UK each year, with in excess of 727,000 deaths annually worldwide. 

In recent years there has been more awareness about the topic, with a range of resources targeted to help with the prevention and support of those affected. For businesses seeking further guidance, a new Standard is on the horizon.

In this episode, Ian Battersby is joined by Marcus Long, Chief Executive at IIOA, who shares his inspirational story of working through an unthinkable tragedy and creating a silver lining that aims to tackle the intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide.

You'll learn

·      Who are IIOA?

·      Who is Marcus Long?

·      What was the catalyst behind BS 30480?

·      Who is involved with the development of BS 30480?

·      What does this Standard hope to achieve?

·      How does this Standard compare to other ISO Standards?

·      How will this Standard develop within the next year?

·      The cost of suicide

·      What are the benefits of BS 30480?

·      How can you get involved?

 

Resources

·      Register your interest in BS 30480

·      Contact Marcus Long

·      IIOA

 

In this episode, we talk about:

[00:25 ] Episode Summary – We invite guest Marcus Long, Chief Executive at IIOA, onto the show to talk about his involvement with the development of BS 30480, a Standard dedicated to the intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide.

[01:30 ] Who are IIOA? The IIOA are the Independent International Organisation for Assurance, which is a trade association for global assurance bodies.

Their members carry out certification to a wide range of ISO Standards, related Standard schemes, product certification and the provision of validation and verification training.

[02:30 ] Who is Marcus Long? Before becoming the Chief Executive at IIOA, Marcus worked for the national Standards body side of BSI. There he was involved with ISO Standard development and later moved into certification.

He's had 20 years' experience withi