Menopause

The University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all.

We are also committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect in the working environment.

In April 2022, the University employed approximately 4350 staff of which nearly 2400 are women. Of our female workforce, approximately 45% (1061) are of the age typically affected by menopause (over 45 years old).

The University recognises that colleagues may need additional consideration, support and adjustments during the time before, during and after the menopause and is committed to ensuring that those affected are supported in the workplace.

The University endeavours to create an environment where women feel confident enough to raise issues about their symptoms and ask for reasonable adjustments at work, if necessary. This policy and accompanying Menopause Guidance set out the University’s commitment to supporting colleagues experiencing the menopause and/or menopause type symptoms.

Menopause Policy

Through adopting a Menopause Policy the University can support staff as they experience and cope with the challenges and impact of menopause.

The Menopause Policy helps to ensure colleagues are supported in the workplace throughout the menopause, and that their needs are taken into account.

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Menopause Guidance

The University developed Menopause Guidance to support staff throughout the menopause.

The Menopause Guidance is intended to provide clarity and direction to help managers understand the menopause and related issues within the workplace, how they can affect staff, and how managers can best provide support. It also aims to raise wider awareness and understanding amongst employees, and to outline the support and reasonable adjustments which are available. This guidance includes information on the following:

Personal Menopause Assessment
Confidential Colleague Discussion
Menopause Advice Sheet – Talking to your GP
Managers’ Guidance for Supportive Discussions

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Menopause FAQs

Please find some Frequently Asked Questions in relation to the menopause in the workplace.

Our Frequently Asked Questions provide information on the following:

I am a member of staff who is experiencing the menopause transition.
I am a manager with a member of staff who is experiencing the menopause transition.
How might trans men, trans women and non-binary people experience the menopause?

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Menopause Support Fund

The Staff Menopause Support Fund provides financial assistance for staff who are experiencing menopause/menopausal symptoms.

The fund can be used to contribute towards the purchase costs associated with reasonable adjustments to enable them to remain in the working environment. This could include:

A fan;
Fitting blinds to windows;
Where uniforms are compulsory, providing additional spare uniforms, or uniforms in different sizes;
Consideration of adjustments to, or purchase of additional PPE or in different sizes.

Full details of the Staff Menopause Support Fund are available via the Staff Intranet.

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Further Sources of Information & Support

There are many external sources of information and support available to support staff during the menopause.

NHS information

NICE guidelines on ‘Menopause: diagnosis and treatment’

NICE guidelines provide advice on the care and support that should be offered to people who use health and care services.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/About-this-information

Menopause Matters

An award-winning, independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options.

www.menopausematters.co.uk

Women’s Health Concern

A charitable organisation – the patient arm of the British Menopause Society – that aims to help educate and support women with their healthcare by providing unbiased, accurate information.

Women's Health Concern | Confidential Advice, Reassurance and Education

Daisy Network

Daisy Network is dedicated to providing information and support to those diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, also known as Premature Menopause.

https://www.daisynetwork.org

The Menopause Exchange

The Menopause Exchange gives independent advice about the menopause, midlife and post-menopausal health. They send out a free quarterly newsletter with useful impartial help and support.

www.menopause-exchange.co.uk

Menopause cafés

At a menopause café people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss menopause. The website includes guidance on how to set up your own menopause café.

www.menopausecafe.net

Manage my menopause

Website for tailored menopausal advice for individuals provided by experts.

www.managemymenopause.co.uk

My Menopause Doctor

A website that aims to help empower women with necessary information to make informed decisions regarding any treatment they may take to help turn the menopause into a positive experience that does not negatively impact their lives.