The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, has joined the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme as part of its pledge to support employees impacted by the condition.
Through the scheme, which is run by the charity Endometriosis UK, the Senedd has appointed endometriosis champions, who will receive specialist training to enable them to provide support and information for employees, as well as raise awareness of the condition.
The employer will also train its managers and ensure that employees who experience the mental and physical impacts of endometriosis, and other menstrual health conditions, know what support is available. This includes dedicated policies, health insurance plans and employee assistance programmes.
It decided to join the scheme in order to tackle taboos and a lack of understanding around menstrual health and endometriosis, as well as address the time it takes to get diagnosed in Wales, which is the longest in the UK.
Beth Hales, deputy clerk for the Welsh Parliament’s committees and one of the Senedd’s endometriosis champions, said: “I’m delighted that the Senedd has signed up to the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme. This will help people across the organisation to better understand and support employees with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health.
“I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015. Endometriosis is relentless and my daughters are growing up seeing first-hand the pain it causes, but they can also see that I’m able to live with the condition while working. This is because of the Senedd’s commitment to supporting staff with chronic illnesses such as endometriosis.”
Emma Cox, chief executive officer of Endometriosis UK, added: “By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, the Senedd will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
