Marvin OnumonuCentral London Community Healthcare (CLCH) NHS Trust has been awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
To receive accreditation, CLCH had to show evidence of effectiveness in culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Three main areas shaped the trust’s journey to accreditation.
These included launching the in-house Reasonable Adjustments Service in December 2024, developing menopause content on the Trust Wellbeing app, and running menopause cafes hosted by the Women’s Network.
Lucia Ricci, head of health, wellbeing and engagement at CLCH, said: “CLCH’s ongoing and long-term menopause activities increase understanding and reduce stigma whilst fostering an open and supportive workplace culture around menopause.
“Through focused activity, we have crafted a culture where colleagues affected by menopause feel empowered, understood and valued.
“At the time we submitted our work for accreditation submission, 82.4% of the workforce identified as female, of which 48.75% were aged over 45.”
Ricci added: “The Trust’s journey to accreditation has been designed to address the needs of this significant proportion of staff.
“According to national and CLCH analysis, the two leading causes of absence among women in the workforce are anxiety, stress, depression/other psychiatric illnesses, followed by musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.
“These conditions are often closely linked to women’s health concerns, particularly during midlife transitions such as perimenopause and menopause.”
Annabel Burkimsher, menopause ambassador and divisional director for nursing and therapies at CLCH, said: “Our Trust Menopause Policy raises awareness of how menopause may affect people in the workplace and helps to create an environment where staff can discuss any concerns openly.
“It provides guidance to staff and managers, links to internal and external support options and provides information on flexible working arrangements, reasonable adjustments and legislative compliance.
“In addition, the policy includes a clear risk assessment guide for colleagues and managers to follow when applying policy principles and supporting employees.”
Deborah Garlick, founder and CEO of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked, said: “Our independent panel was very impressed by the aims and scope of work undertaken by CLCH to gain the Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
“Increasing communication and building trust between managers and colleagues is vital to creating an open and supportive culture and CLCH has very clearly demonstrated its desire and ability to achieve such an environment.”
