§ Lord Norton of Louthasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to disseminate, or to encourage the dissemination of, best practice advice to universities and colleges to deter self-harm and suicides among students. [HL4348]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)Responsibility for student welfare rests mainly with further and higher education institutions and their student unions. I understand that the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, the Standing Conference of Principals and the Association of Managers of Student Services, with advice from the National Union of Students, are jointly preparing guidance on mental health issues (including stress, depression and self-harm) for the further and higher education sector. This is due to be issued next year.