Medical Protection Society (MPS) has gained menopause-friendly accreditation after implementing a range of supportive measures for its workforce.
According to the global not-for-profit, member-owned medical defence organisation, it “recognised the need to talk openly about menopause and put the right support in place for those who need it”.
Professor Dame Jane Dacre, MPS president, said: “We’ve seen perceptions change and know people now feel confident to open up and talk about menopause with their peers and manager.
“We decided to apply for the menopause friendly accreditation to show our members, colleagues and stakeholders that we take this very seriously as a long-term commitment and aren’t simply following the media trend or ticking a box.”
Launched by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, the accreditation was awarded for the MPS’s high standards and working practices in areas including training, evaluation, culture, policies and practices, engagement and facilities.
The organisation had implemented a range of interventions, such as creating a MenoChat group, introducing ‘ask me anything’ sessions, forming a menopause network, training and supporting menopause advocates, providing awareness training for senior leaders, managers and staff, calling for more training, support and flexible working arrangements for doctors and dentists and offering free, confidential counselling for their members who need it.
Dacre added: “We have a diverse workforce spanning four continents. We recognise menopause and the associated symptoms vary widely, and regional and cultural differences may further affect a woman’s experience. Therefore, we took onboard feedback from our colleagues to ensure our support is fully inclusive and respectful of different views.
“One highlight for me was to learn from some colleagues that menopause is seen as a time to focus more on one’s spiritual and inner life and is something to be embraced. This refreshing and positive view is certainly one we share and encourage.”
MPS, which serves the healthcare professions, is “committed to understanding the various factors which can negatively affect a woman’s wellbeing and ability to flourish at work” and committed to introducing both operational and cultural changes to help its workforce when it first became a menopause friendly member in 2022.
Lisa Davis, executive director of people and culture at MPS, commented: “Working with Henpicked and menopause friendly accreditation has given MPS an excellent opportunity to learn best practice from, and benchmark ourselves against, other inclusive organisations.
“Our menopause network and monthly support groups have seen a high level of engagement in the topic – in team meetings, blogs and colleague forums. Particularly good to see is that we have people from across the business, many of whom are not directly affected, asking what they can do to support their fellow colleagues, family members and friends.”
