As we mark four years since launching the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Accreditation, we’re celebrating the individuals and organisations who’ve gone above and beyond to lead the way.
The Menopause Friendly Birthday Honours shine a spotlight on those driving real, lasting change — from early adopters and global firsts to inspirational voices and tireless advocates. Together, they’ve helped transform how menopause is supported at work.
Here are this year’s honourees:
Long-Term Impact Honour
This honour celebrates an organisation that was among the very first to take action on menopause in the workplace and crucially, never stopped.
From those early steps to becoming a recognised leader, they’ve continued to embed and grow their support, reaching more colleagues year after year. Their commitment hasn’t wavered. Instead, they’ve built on strong foundations, kept the momentum going and helped normalise menopause conversations across their organisation and beyond.
Honouree:
– Boots and The No7 Beauty Company
– E.ON UK
Inspirational Voice Honour
This honour celebrates inspirational public figures who have championed menopause awareness, broken down barriers and helped amplify the conversation on a national scale. Through their passion and advocacy, they’ve ensured menopause is recognised as a vital workplace and societal issue.
By fronting the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards, they’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with leading employers and inspired individuals across the UK to speak up, seek support and drive change.
Honouree:
– Louise Minchin
Since BBC Breakfast’s Wake Up to the Menopause in May 2019, Louise Minchin has continued to be a fearless, inspirational voice, giving so many people the confidence to speak up and speak out. Her bravery and fearlessness in tackling this subject have had an incredible impact, opening doors to conversations that had been silent for far too long.
Menopause Friendly Trailblazers – Reaccredited Organisations
This honour recognises pioneering employers who were among the first to be Menopause Friendly Accredited. By achieving Reaccreditation, they’ve proved their commitment to not just maintaining best practice but continuing to evolve, improve and lead from the front.
Through their dedication, they’ve transformed workplace culture, influenced wider societal change and ensured menopause support is truly embedded for the long term.
Honourees:
– AXA UK | Leicestershire County Council | Nottingham NHS Hospitals Trust | Partners& Ltd
Menopause Friendly Standards Champion
This honour recognises the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel, a group of passionate experts who dedicate their time, insight and expertise to assessing Menopause Friendly Accreditations and judging the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.
They have made such a huge impact by setting, reviewing and upholding standards. Their constructive feedback supports organisations to reach and maintain best practice, ensuring menopause-friendly workplaces continue to evolve and improve so employees can thrive at work.
Honourees:
– Carol Atkinson | Suzanne Banks CBE | Annie Bell | Professor Jo Brewis | Heidi Cooper | Evelyn Dickey | Susannah Fish | Jog Hundle | Helen Normoyle | Paul Sesay | Paul Starbuck | Dr Belinda Steffan | Theresa Winters
Menopause Friendly Giving Back Honour
This honour celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact through fundraising and awareness.
Thanks to their generosity, £190,000 has been raised through the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards, funding vital research, good causes and charities. From groundbreaking studies on menopause and neurodiversity to essential support for those experiencing early menopause, cancer or bone health issues, their impact goes far beyond financial support.
They’ve helped shift attitudes, drive action and ensure more people get the help they need.
Honourees:
– BAE Systems | British Airways | Celerity | HSBC UK / first direct / M&S Bank | Lloyds Banking Group | Mars | Nuclear Decommissioning Authority | Peppy Health | Santander | Specsavers | Theramex | Vitabiotics Menopace
Menopause & Menstruation Friendly Pioneer Honour
This honour celebrates the first organisation to achieve both Menopause Friendly and Menstruation Friendly Accreditation, setting a powerful new benchmark for workplace wellbeing.
By recognising and supporting both menopause and menstruation, they’ve shown exceptional leadership in removing stigma, driving cultural change and ensuring all employees feel valued and supported.
Their commitment paves the way for more organisations to follow, proving that holistic reproductive health support belongs at the heart of workplace wellbeing.
Honouree:
– Huddersfield Town Football Club
Independently Accredited Firsts
This honour celebrates the very first organisations in their countries to achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation.
Their trailblazing achievements show that menopause-friendly workplaces aren’t just possible, they’re essential. By setting new standards, they’ve not only transformed their own organisations, but helped spark a global movement for change.
