Guidelines on the use and reporting of data on suicide registr

Inaccurate use and reporting of data on suicide can have damaging consequences such as causing unnecessary or ina
following information to provide users with a better understanding of our suicide registrations data, including where
further information on the data reported in this document please contact mortality@ons.gov.uk.

(A) Information for the media, including best practise when it comes to reporting suicide
If you are a journalist covering a suicide-related issue, please consider following the Samaritans' media guidelines for
on best practice, including appropriate terminology and links to sources of support for anyone affected by the theme
produced following consultation with journalists and editors throughout the industry.

Samaritans' Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide

(B) Interpretation of suicide registrations statistics

Suicide registrations: where do the data come from?

In England and Wales, when somebody dies unexpectedly, a Coroner investigates the circumstances to establish the
'inquest,' is a process that can take months, and in some cases, years. When an inquest has concluded, the death is o
England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics then assigns each death with an 'underlying cause,' based on the

In England and Wales, data on suicide concern all deaths that were assigned underlying cause of intentional self-harm
include deaths caused by injury or poisoning of undetermined intent (for those aged 15 years and above), based on t
be suicide. This is referred to as the National Statistics definition of suicide (see Box 1).

Box 1. The National Statistics definition of suicide based on codes from the International Classification of Diseases (

Codes Description

(1) For deaths that were registered between 1979 and 2000, deaths were coded using ICD 9th edition (ICD-9)

E950-E959 Intentional self-harm

E980-E989 Injury/poisoning of undetermined intent

(2) For deaths registered since 2001, deaths have been coded using ICD 10th edition (ICD-10)

X60-X84 Intentional self-harm

Y10-Y34 Injury/poisoning of undetermined intent

Suicide registrations: advice on appropriate use

To help with the interpretation of suicide registrations data, here we provide information on common aspects of our

Data aspect Advice to take

Numbers of deaths When findings are reported based on the number of deaths alone, it is important to bear in mi
versus rates differences in numbers of deaths (e.g., over time; between geographical areas) could be explai
differences in the underlying population structure such as different proportions of people of di
When available, rates, such as age-standardised mortality rates, should be quoted, as these ar
take into account population size and structure. If rates are unavailable, we recommend lookin
time series of deaths.
Numbers of deaths When findings are reported based on the number of deaths alone, it is important to bear in mi
versus rates differences in numbers of deaths (e.g., over time; between geographical areas) could be explai
differences in the underlying population structure such as different proportions of people of di
When available, rates, such as age-standardised mortality rates, should be quoted, as these ar
take into account population size and structure. If rates are unavailable, we recommend lookin
time series of deaths.

Groups with small Care must be taken when looking at groups with small numbers of deaths. Findings based on s
numbers deaths are prone to random fluctuation and will typically produce volatile patterns such as larg
increases or decreases. Age-standardised rates require at least 20 deaths to be statistically reli
age-specific rates require at least 3 deaths.

Differences over time When available, rates should be used when trying to understand whether differences (e.g., cha
and/or differences between groups) are statistically meaningful. Rates are presented with their corresponding low
between groups confidence limits. These form a confidence interval (at the 95% level), which is a measure of th
precision of an estimate and shows the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. As a
the confidence interval around one figure overlaps with the interval around another, we canno
certainty that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures.

Occupation (also Occupation is reported at the time of death registration by the informant. The recorded occup
includes students) reflects the deceased's main lifetime occupation at the time of death. It is also possible that, w
the deceased was retired, unemployed, or in a different job altogether. Numbers of deaths alo
used to ascertain the risk of suicide among occupation groups. Year-to-year differences in num
may merely reflect differences in the population of a given occupation as opposed to changes
suicide. In 2017, we published a comprehensive analysis of suicide for different occupation gro
(see below); this analysis reports registrations for the period 2011 to 2015, as this is the only p
we have suitable populations to provide the occupation population at risk. Our report also det
around a third of suicides, occupation was unavailable due to this not being provided at the tim
registration.

Geography When a table is for England and Wales combined, the figures include deaths of non-usual resid
other geographies (including separate figures for England and Wales, English region, and local
etc.) unless specified, these are based on the postcode of residence as opposed to the postcod
death.

Registrations Unless specified, it is likely that the data in this document are based on the date a death was r
registrations) as opposed to the date of death (i.e., occurrences). Coroners' inquests can take m
some cases, years. As such, only a proportion of deaths registered in a given year would have o
same year. For example, in England and Wales, 56% of suicides registered in 2017 also occurre
vast majority of the remaining suicides (41%) occurred in 2016. Data based on either registrati
occurrences will generally follow the same pattern of peaks and troughs across time.

England and Wales The Office for National Statistics holds suicides registrations data for England and Wales. Data
Ireland and Scotland can be obtained from the Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agenc
the National Records of Scotland (NRS), respectively. Our annual release on suicide registration
compiles data from all three organisations.

(C ) Further information

Suicide registrations in the UK

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on suicides in the UK. Figures are presented by sex, age
usual residence. Additional figures on narrative verdicts are also presented.

Suicide registrations in Northern Ireland

The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agency (NISRA) on suicides in Northern Ireland.

Suicide registrations in Scotland

The latest figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on suicides in Scotland.

Suicide by occupation, England: 2011 to 2015

Analysis of deaths from suicide in different occupational groups for people aged 20 to 64 years, based on deaths regi
2011 and 2015.

Estimating suicide among higher education students, England and Wales: Experimental Statistics
Estimates of suicides among higher education students by sex, age, and ethnicity. Analysis based on mortality record
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student records.

Coroners Statistics for England and Wales

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Justine on the workload of coroners in England and Wales.
eporting of data on suicide registrations
damaging consequences such as causing unnecessary or inappropriate concerns. We have compiled the
erstanding of our suicide registrations data, including where the data come from and some advice on use. For
nt please contact mortality@ons.gov.uk.

se when it comes to reporting suicide

ease consider following the Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide. The guidelines contain information
inks to sources of support for anyone affected by the themes in the article. Samaritans' media guidelines were
tors throughout the industry.

y, a Coroner investigates the circumstances to establish the cause of death. The investigation, referred to as an
e cases, years. When an inquest has concluded, the death is officially registered. For suicides that occurred in
n assigns each death with an 'underlying cause,' based on the information provided by the Coroner.

that were assigned underlying cause of intentional self-harm (for those aged 10 years and above). We also
mined intent (for those aged 15 years and above), based on the assumption that the majority of these deaths will
efinition of suicide (see Box 1).

d on codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), England and Wales.

Notes

000, deaths were coded using ICD 9th edition (ICD-9)
Persons aged 10 years and above
Persons aged 15 years and above; excludes E988.8
coded using ICD 10th edition (ICD-10)
Persons aged 10 years and above
What is intentional self-harm and injury/poisoning
undetermined intent?
Both categories refer to deaths with a broad range o
including poisoning (e.g., by exposure to a particular
injuries (e.g., a fall). Deaths caused by intentional se
where the Coroner had clear evidence that the dece
end their own life; deaths of undetermined intent co
where the evidence on intent was unclear. Further in
the individual cause of death codes can be found he
http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/20

Persons aged 15 years and above; excludes Y33.9 where the

coroner's verdict was pending for the years 2001-2006

ata, here we provide information on common aspects of our published datasets.

on the number of deaths alone, it is important to bear in mind that

e.g., over time; between geographical areas) could be explained by
ulation structure such as different proportions of people of different ages.
-standardised mortality rates, should be quoted, as these are adjusted to
and structure. If rates are unavailable, we recommend looking at a longer
 on the number of deaths alone, it is important to bear in mind that
e.g., over time; between geographical areas) could be explained by
ulation structure such as different proportions of people of different ages.
-standardised mortality rates, should be quoted, as these are adjusted to
and structure. If rates are unavailable, we recommend looking at a longer

at groups with small numbers of deaths. Findings based on small numbers of

uation and will typically produce volatile patterns such as large year-to-year
ardised rates require at least 20 deaths to be statistically reliable, whereas
3 deaths.

sed when trying to understand whether differences (e.g., change over time;
meaningful. Rates are presented with their corresponding lower and upper
nfidence interval (at the 95% level), which is a measure of the statistical
s the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. As a general rule, if
e figure overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with
a chance difference between the two figures.

e of death registration by the informant. The recorded occupation likely

me occupation at the time of death. It is also possible that, when they died,
oyed, or in a different job altogether. Numbers of deaths alone cannot be
e among occupation groups. Year-to-year differences in numbers of deaths
he population of a given occupation as opposed to changes in the risk of
omprehensive analysis of suicide for different occupation groups in England
egistrations for the period 2011 to 2015, as this is the only period for which
rovide the occupation population at risk. Our report also detailed that for
tion was unavailable due to this not being provided at the time of death

Wales combined, the figures include deaths of non-usual residents. For all
rate figures for England and Wales, English region, and local authority area
sed on the postcode of residence as opposed to the postcode of the place of

e data in this document are based on the date a death was registered (i.e.,
ate of death (i.e., occurrences). Coroners' inquests can take months, and in
proportion of deaths registered in a given year would have occurred in the
d and Wales, 56% of suicides registered in 2017 also occurred in 2017; the
cides (41%) occurred in 2016. Data based on either registrations or
he same pattern of peaks and troughs across time.

olds suicides registrations data for England and Wales. Data for Northern
ned from the Northern Ireland Research and Statistics Agency (NISRA) and
NRS), respectively. Our annual release on suicide registrations data in the UK
nisations.

ONS) on suicides in the UK. Figures are presented by sex, age and region of
are also presented.

d Statistics Agency (NISRA) on suicides in Northern Ireland.

(NRS) on suicides in Scotland.

groups for people aged 20 to 64 years, based on deaths registered between

gland and Wales: Experimental Statistics

y sex, age, and ethnicity. Analysis based on mortality records linked to
ds.

orkload of coroners in England and Wales.

 The length of time it takes to have an inquest creates what is known as
a 'registration delay.' For suicides registered in 2017, the median delay
between the date of death and the date of death registration was 152
days in England and 132 days in Wales.

self-harm and injury/poisoning of

t?

to deaths with a broad range of causes

e.g., by exposure to a particular drug) and
Deaths caused by intentional self-harm are those
ad clear evidence that the deceased intended to
eaths of undetermined intent concern those
on intent was unclear. Further information on
of death codes can be found here:
classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en
 Number of suicides among police officers (sergeant and below) and senior
police officers, England and Wales, 2009 to 2018

Copyright and reproduction

© Crown copyright 2020

You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the
Open Government Licence. To view this licence, go to:
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence
or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU
Email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Contact details

Mortality team, Life Events and Population Sources Division

Office for National Statistics
Government Buildings
Cardiff Road
Newport
Gwent NP10 8XG

Tel: 01633 651901 E-mail: mortality@ons.gov.uk

Special extracts and tabulations of suicides and other mortality data for England and Wales are available to order
(subject to legal frameworks, disclosure control, resources and agreement of costs, where appropriate). Such
enquiries should be made to the mortality team, using the contact details shown above.

Links to further information

Charging Policy

The ONS charging policy provides clarification of roles and responsibilities and ensures a consistent and transparent
approach to charging across all areas of ONS.

Suicides in the UK

The above link provides the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on suicides in the UK. Figures
are presented by sex, age and region of usual residence. Additional figures on narrative verdicts are also presented.

Deaths registered in England and Wales (Series DR)

Series DR (Mortality Statistics: Deaths Registered in England and Wales) provides death registration statistics for the
reference year. This includes numbers of deaths by detailed underlying cause, sex and five-year age group.

Quality and Methodology Information (QMI) paper

The QMI paper provides further information about the quality of drug-related deaths data.

User guide to mortality statistics

Supporting information for mortality statistics, which present figures on deaths registered in England and Wales in a
specific week, month, quarter or year.

Feedback
We would welcome feedback on the content, format and relevance of this release. Please send feedback to the
postal or email address above.

Suicide rates for Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found using the following links:
Scotland
Northern Ireland
below) and senior
2018

ium, under the terms of the

es are available to order

e appropriate). Such

a consistent and transparent

suicides in the UK. Figures

verdicts are also presented.

registration statistics for the

ve-year age group.

in England and Wales in a

e send feedback to the
Table 1: Number of suicides among police officers (sergeant and below) and senior police officers, England and

Registration Number of
year suicides
2009 15
2010 20
2011 16
2012 24
2013 21
2014 18
2015 19
2016 22
2017 17
2018 14

Notes:
1.
Underlying cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes shown
2.
Figures are for persons aged 20 to 64.
3.
SOC 2010 codes used were 3312- police officers (sergeant and below) and 1172- senior police officers. SOC 2010 co
listed in the table. More information:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/standardoccupationalclassificationsoc/soc2010
4.
Figures exclude deaths of non-residents.
5.
Figures are for deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring between 2009 and 2018. Due to the length of
time it takes to complete a coroner's inquest, there can be a considerable delay between when a suicide
occurred and when it is were registered. More information on registration delays suicides can be found on the
ONS website: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/suicides-in-the-united-kingdom/2011/stb-suicide-
bulletin.html#tab-Impact-of-registration-delays-on-suicide-statistics

Source: Office for National Statistics

 police officers, England and Wales, 2009 to 2018 1,2,3,4,5

s, Tenth Revision codes shown in Box 1 in the Guidence tab.

or police officers. SOC 2010 codes for occupations are

assificationsoc/soc2010

. Due to the length of

when a suicide
can be found on the
m/2011/stb-suicide-