Churchill Group has been awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation, becoming one of a growing number of organisations recognised for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for colleagues experiencing menopause.
The accreditation recognises the action we’ve taken to raise awareness, build understanding and provide practical support across the business. Assessed independently across five key areas; culture, policies and processes, training, engagement, and workplace environment, it reflects the progress we’ve made in creating a workplace where colleagues feel supported throughout their menopause journey.
While we’re proud to receive this recognition, it isn’t about achieving a badge. It’s about ensuring people have the support they need at a stage of life that can have a significant impact on both wellbeing and working life.
For many people, menopause occurs during some of the most important and rewarding years of their career. It’s often a time when they are leading teams, sharing valuable expertise and making a significant contribution to their organisation. Yet symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, disrupted sleep and hot flushes can sometimes affect confidence, wellbeing and day-to-day performance.
Nobody should feel that menopause limits their potential, affects their career progression or makes them question the value of the experience they’ve worked hard to build.
Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on creating an environment where conversations about menopause feel normal, support is accessible, and colleagues feel confident seeking help when they need it.
As part of that commitment, we have:
- Trained 21 Menopause Advocates from across the business
- Delivered 53 awareness sessions, reaching more than 640 colleagues
- Provided specialist training for our HR and Employee Relations teams, as well as our Mental Health First Aiders, helping them build the knowledge and confidence to support colleagues and managers
- Continued to raise awareness through learning opportunities, resources and open conversations across the organisation
One of the things we’re most proud of is our network of Menopause Advocates. These colleagues have volunteered their time to help raise awareness, share knowledge and signpost others to the support available, helping to create a culture where conversations about menopause are met with understanding rather than stigma.
Lynzie Kane, Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion Manager and Co-owner, said:
“Achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation is something I’m incredibly proud of because it reflects the kind of organisation we’re striving to be. We want people to feel informed, supported and able to thrive at every stage of their career. Menopause can be an isolating experience, but nobody should feel they have to navigate it alone. This accreditation recognises the progress we’ve made, and I’m especially grateful to our Menopause Advocates and colleagues across the business whose passion and commitment have helped make it possible.”
The independent assessment panel recognised the scale and complexity of delivering menopause support across a workforce of around 19,000 colleagues working at more than 11,000 locations. Despite this, they described our submission as a “very strong application across all areas of the framework” and highlighted the strength of the work taking place across the business.
Judges also praised the “strong and authentic culture” underpinning our menopause programme, recognising the progress made in embedding awareness and support throughout our business. Recognition was given to our Menopause Advocate Network, which has played a key role in driving conversations, increasing awareness and connecting colleagues with support.
The panel was also impressed by the practical steps we’ve taken to create supportive working environments for colleagues, including those based at client sites, recognising the thought and care that has gone into ensuring support is accessible regardless of location.
Achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation reflects the progress we’ve made, but it also reinforces why this work matters.
We know that some people have felt they had no option but to step back from their careers, turn down opportunities or leave organisations because of the impact of menopause symptoms. At Churchill Group, we’re committed to creating a different experience. We want colleagues to feel empowered to continue growing, developing and pursuing their ambitions with confidence.
Supporting colleagues through menopause is about more than wellbeing. It’s about retaining talented people, valuing experience and ensuring that nobody feels their career must be put on hold because of a life stage they’re navigating.
By increasing awareness, encouraging open conversations and providing meaningful support, we’re helping to build a workplace where colleagues can continue to thrive both personally and professionally.
Achieving this accreditation is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey. We’ll continue to listen, learn and build on the strong foundations already in place, ensuring Churchill Group remains a workplace where people feel supported at every stage of their career.