Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) police forces have become accredited menopause- friendly employers.
The forces gained the national menopause-riendly accreditation (MFA) in recognition of the high-quality policies and processes they have implemented to support their workforces.
BCH menopause lead ACO Cat Hemmings said: “I am delighted that Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire police forces have secured the menopause friendly accreditation. On behalf of everyone involved in this extensive work, I would like to say how proud we all are.
“The three forces are strongly committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of our work. Central to this is enabling everyone to bring their whole selves to work and ensuring they have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Menopause-friendly initiatives introduced across the forces so far include support groups, workplace adjustments so that staff can carry on working through the menopause, events, training, and the publication of menopause guidance and policies for both employees and managers.
Volunteers at the forces have also become trained menopause champions to offer confidential and compassionate advice to those in need, while extra support is accessible through an employee assistance programme.
Hemmings added: “Menopause is a life event that our policies, processes and procedures need to take account of. Whether directly experiencing the menopause, working alongside or managing someone who is, or engaging with a member of the public who may have symptoms, it is imperative that we provide support, raise awareness, dispel myths and normalise conversations. Achieving accreditation is testament to each force’s commitment and provides the foundation on which we will continue to build.”
Established by Henpicked: Menopause in The Workplace, the accreditation requires employers to prove themselves in essential areas, including culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.
So far, five police forces have gained the industry-recognised MFA for demonstrating their commitment to encouraging menopause awareness, understand and support among their workforces.
Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said: “The positive impact that Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire police forces are making through being menopause friendly is fantastic to see and this accreditation is absolutely justified. Particularly heartening to know is that not only will the forces’ colleagues and their families benefit from having extra insight and support around menopause, but they can also cascade this empathy and understanding to their local communities and members of the public.”
