Manchester City Council recognised as a Menopause Friendly Employer

Manchester City Council has received formal accreditation as a Menopause Friendly Employer, demonstrating its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for employees.

The accreditation, awarded by Menopause Friendly UK, is given to organisations that meet rigorous standards in supporting colleagues through menopause. To achieve this recognition, the Council has implemented comprehensive policies, training, and resources to ensure that employees experiencing menopause feel understood and supported.

Manchester City Council is proud to be the first Greater Manchester Combined Authority to achieve Menopause Friendly Accreditation—a milestone that reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace. Over the past three years, the council has transformed its culture through bold actions: male colleagues openly sharing their experiences and championing allyship, a thriving ‘Menopause and Me’ peer group, and practical measures such as flexible working, menopause-specific CBT, and workplace adjustments.

Engagement with staff spans from LinkedIn campaigns to internal forums, amplifying voices and breaking stigma. With more than 2,500 staff completing menopause awareness training and hundreds more attending learning sessions, the standard is being set for what a truly menopause-friendly organisation looks like.

The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is assessed by an independent panel and recognises organisations that go beyond awareness, embedding menopause support into their culture and practices. This includes providing education for managers, offering practical adjustments, and creating open conversations around menopause.

Already, as part of the city’s commitment to supporting women through the menopause, the Council is working with the NHS Greater Manchester to deliver the Winning Hearts and Minds hub in Harpurhey North Manchester.  First set up in 2024, the hub provides a safe space for women to talk and break the stigma around menopause by discussing subjects such as brain fog with others who understand, increasing their knowledge of perimenopause and menopause, and busting myths.

Cllr Becky Chambers, Deputy Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said:

“We know that there is a stigma around talking about the menopause and becoming an accredited menopause friendly employer is a commitment to people working in Manchester City Council that they are seen, they are understood and we have a workplace culture that makes sure managers and leaders are equipped to support them.

“There should be no taboo about the menopause and women should feel able to ask for help in their own workplace. The council’s aim is to make Manchester a menopause friendly city and being an accredited employer is one way we are doing this. By raising the profile and creating a platform for conversation, women going through the menopause can be confident that we have a system in place that provides adjustments and help if they need it.”

Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked says:

“Manchester City Council is setting the standard for what great menopause support looks like in practice. Its inclusive people-led approach shows a genuine commitment to listening, learning and taking action across a large and diverse workforce. With visible senior leadership, strong engagement and practical support in place, it is creating a culture where menopause is understood, talked about openly and supported. This accreditation recognises the real and lasting difference it is making for its people.”