Marvin OnumonuManchester City Council has been recognised as a Menopause Friendly Employer by Menopause Friendly UK, after meeting strict standards for supporting staff through menopause.
Over the last three years, the council brought in policies, training and resources to help employees feel understood and supported.
Manchester City Council is now the first Greater Manchester Combined Authority to get Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
Actions taken included male colleagues sharing experiences, a ‘menopause and me’ peer group, and measures like flexible working, menopause-specific CBT and workplace adjustments.
Staff engagement covered LinkedIn campaigns and internal forums.
More than 2,500 staff completed menopause awareness training and hundreds joined learning sessions.
Councillor Becky Chambers, Deputy Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: “We know that there is a stigma around talking about the menopause and becoming an accredited menopause friendly employer is a commitment to people working in Manchester City Council that they are seen, they are understood and we have a workplace culture that makes sure managers and leaders are equipped to support them.
“There should be no taboo about the menopause and women should feel able to ask for help in their own workplace.
“The council’s aim is to make Manchester a menopause friendly city and being an accredited employer is one way we are doing this.”
Chambers added: “By raising the profile and creating a platform for conversation, women going through the menopause can be confident that we have a system in place that provides adjustments and help if they need it.”
Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked, said: “Manchester City Council is setting the standard for what great menopause support looks like in practice.
“Its inclusive people-led approach shows a genuine commitment to listening, learning and taking action across a large and diverse workforce.
“With visible senior leadership, strong engagement and practical support in place, it is creating a culture where menopause is understood, talked about openly and supported.”
Garlick added: “This accreditation recognises the real and lasting difference it is making for its people.”
