Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) NHS Trust has been awarded menopause-friendly accreditation due to its commitment to creating an open, caring and supportive environment.
The accreditation, established by Henpicked, certifies high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. To achieve it, CLCH was assessed by an independent panel and had to demonstrate its effectiveness in culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
It was recognised for three key areas of activity that helped shape its menopause-friendly journey. These were the launch of its in-house reasonable adjustments service in December 2024, developing menopause content on its trust wellbeing app, and running menopause cafes hosted by its women’s network.
CLCH also created a trust menopause policy, written with the head of equality, diversity and inclusion, the trust menopause ambassador and the Women’s Staff Network.
The accreditation reflects CLCH’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where conversations about the menopause are normalised and long-term cultural change is embedded.
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 employees 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. The trust’s journey to accreditation has been designed to address the needs of this significant proportion of staff.”
Annabel Burkimsher, menopause ambassador and divisional director for nursing and therapies at CLCH, added: “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 employees and managers to follow when applying policy principles and supporting employees.”
