British Airways LOGO - MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY EMPLOYER AWARDS 2024 FINALIST

“From start to finish the room is filled with love, warmth and happiness.”

Amanda O’Loughlin, British Airways – 2024 attendee

Celebrating employers leading the way in women’s health

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards are back for the fourth year and this time we’re going even further. For the first time, we’re recognising Menopause Friendly and Menstruation Friendly Employers, reflecting the brilliant work so many of you are already doing to support broader women’s health in the workplace.

Together, we’re creating lasting change – breaking down barriers, opening up conversations and making sure those who need it get the support they deserve. We’re changing the lived experience for today and generations to come.

Whether your organisation is focusing on menopause, menstruation, or both, this is your chance to step forward, share what you’ve done and be recognised.

Trophies on display at The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024
Young Epilepsy Logo _ Committed to being Menopause Friendly

The whole experience was amazing. The highlight for me was our organisation winning which was the biggest bonus and totally unexpected.

Leigh Staff, Young Epilepsy

Why get involved?

These awards aren’t just about recognition – they’re about celebrating how far we’ve come and inspiring even more progress. Every step forward makes a difference and we’d love to see you and your organisation be part of it.

Be recognised â€“ Celebrate your organisation’s progress and inspire others.

Share best practice â€“ Show what’s working and help shape the future of workplace support.

Be part of something bigger â€“ Together, we’re changing the way workplaces support menopause and menstruation for good.

Guests applauding at The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024
HSBC UK Logo _ Independently Accredited Menopause Friendly Employer | Menopause at work

“My highlight was connecting with people (old friends and new) that we are normally only able to meet virtually and feeling the depth of warmth and positivity in the room….and of course winning a special award.”

Jackie Williams, HSBC UK

Apply for awards

You need to be a Menopause Friendly Member to apply for Menopause Awards and a Menstruation Friendly Member to apply for Menstruation Awards. Not a member yet? Click here.

Here are the key dates to mark in your diary…


KEY DATES:

1 MARCH 2025

Applications open

31 JULY 2025

Applications close

1 SEPTEMBER 2025

Finalists announced

SEPTEMBER 2025

Winners announced at Award Ceremony – date to be confirmed soon!

E.ON Logo _ Committed to being Menopause Friendly

““From the moment I walked into the hotel to the moment I left, I felt excited and energised.”

Fiona Parkinson, EON

Menopause Friendly Logo Transparent

Menopause Friendly Award Categories

Click to learn more about the six Menopause Friendly company award categories for 2025. 

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year

Recognising an accredited organisation that has truly embedded menopause awareness, education and support into its workplace culture.

Most Open Culture

Awarded to an organisation where menopause is spoken about openly, with strong leadership and a culture of support.

Most Menopause Friendly Environment

Celebrating an organisation that has made real, practical changes to its workplace environment to support menopause.

Best Engagement Campaign

Awarding an organisation that has run a brilliant campaign, raising awareness and sparking conversations.

Best Trained Workforce

Recognising an organisation that has invested in training, giving employees and managers the confidence and knowledge to offer real support.

Best Peer-to-Peer Support

Celebrating an organisation that has built a strong network where colleagues support each other, creating a culture of care.

Ramboll Logo _ Committed to being Menopause Friendly

“An opportunity to network with a fabulous bunch of like-minded, positive people”

Melanie Johnson-Remy, Ramboll

Menstruation Friendly Logo Colour On White

Menstruation Friendly Award Categories

Click to learn more about the three NEW Menstruation Friendly company award categories for 2025. 

Most Open Culture

Recognising an organisation where menstruation is talked about openly and supported without stigma.

Best Engagement Campaign

Celebrating an organisation that has raised awareness and driven real change through an inspiring campaign.

Best Training Initiative

Awarding an organisation that has equipped employees and managers with the knowledge to support colleagues experiencing menstruation.

Apply for Awards by 31 July 2025. Finalists will be announced on 1 September 2025 and winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony.

THE CAROLYN LAZARUS AWARD

Individual Contribution to Menopause and/or Menstruation

Honouring an individual who has made a real and lasting impact on improving workplace support for menopause and menstruation.

The Carolyn Lazarus Award is a very special accolade and will be given to the individual who has made the most significant impact on changing the way people think and feel about menopause, in or out of the workplace.

Carolyn Lazurus was the founder of totally4women (t4w), an online community for women to allow and encourage them to share their experiences, ask the kind of questions they had felt unable to raise before and offer support to one another. The success of her initiative brought women together, often allowing them to gain, or regain, confidence and a sense of being. Carolyn was full of energy and fortitude: her determination and willingness to listen and learn was born out of her passion to help other women.

Tragically, Carolyn, wife to Marc and mother to Daisy and Chad, lost her battle with cancer in 2016. Throughout her life she faced challenges and opportunities with courage and strength of spirit and would be pleased to know this award recognises such attributes in its recipient.

BE INSPIRED…

Winners from 2022-2024

BAE Systems

BAE Systems were crowned Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year Award (private sector) at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.

BAE Systems on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

leicestershire county council

In 2024, Leicestershire County Council were awarded Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year (public sector) and won the Best Peer-To-Peer Support Award.

In 2022, they took home the Best Training Initiative award.

Leicestershire County Council on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

Thames Valley Police

The first accredited police force in the UK, Thames Valley Police won The Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer in 2024.

In 2023, they were crowned Menopause Friendly Large Employer of the year and won the Most Open Workplace award in 2022.

Thames Valley Police on stage with Louise Minchin and The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP after winning Menopause Friendly Small Employer of the Year Award 2023

huddersfield town football club

The first accredited menopause friendly football club, Huddersfield Town took home the Most Supportive Partner Award in 2023 and 2024.

Huddersfield Town Football Club on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

Close brothers

Close Brothers won the Most Open Workplace Award at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards

Close Brothers on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

nuclear decomissioning authority

NDA won the Most Menopause Friendly Working Environment Award at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

YOUNG EPILEPSY

Young Epilepsy won the Best Engagement Approach award at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.

lancashire county council

Lancashire County Council took home the Best Trained Workforce Award at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards.

Lancashire County Council on stage with Lisa Snowdon at the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024 Winner

Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb won the Best Trained Workforce award in 2022 and 2023, and in 2022 they took were crowned Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year.

Bristol Myers Squibb on stage with Louise Minchin after winning Best Trained Workforce Award | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

MARINE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION

Small and medium organisations make up a large proportion of the UK workforce. Marine Management Organisation were awarded with the Menopause Friendly Small Employer of the Year award in 2023.

Marine Management Organisation on stage with Louise Minchin and The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP after winning the Menopause Friendly Small Employer of the Year Award | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

Joined up care derbyshire

Joined Up Care Derbyshire took home the Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer award in 2023 for their dedication to ensuring menopause is an all-colleague consideration.

Joined up Care Derbyshire on stage with Louise Minchin after winning The Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer Award 2023

Santander uk

Santander UK took home the Most Open Workplace Award in 2023, and the Most Supportive Partner award in 2022. Santander’s Theresa Winters also took home the 2022 Carolyn Lazarus Award for her individual contribution.

Santander on stage with Louise Minchin after winning The Most Open Workplace Award | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

Department for education

Department for Education took home the Best Engagement Campaign award in 2023 for their innovative approach to raising awareness about menopause at work.

Department of Education on stage with Louise Minchin | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

BT Group

BT Group took home the Best Training Initiative Award in 2023 for their thorough and creative approach to educating their workforce. 

BT Group with Louise Minchin at The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

HSBC UK, M&S Bank and first direct

The first accredited Menopause Friendly Employer, in 2022 HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank took home the Most Menopause Friendly Environment Award.

HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank Team, 2022 Menopause Friendly Award-Winners on stage with Louise Minchin

WTW

WTW took home the 2023 Best Support Group award for their inspirational approach for ensuring colleagues have access to peer-to-peer support.

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) on stage with Louise Minchin after winning the Best Support Group Award | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2023

QVC UK

QVC UK were awarded the Most Menopause Friendly Environment title in 2023 for their well-designed workplace facilities to support menopausal people continue to thrive.

QVC UK on stage with Louise Minchin after winning The Most Menopause Friendly Environment Award 2023

Boots Uk and no7 beauty company

The retailer took home the 2022 Best Engagement Campaign Award for their creative approach to engaging their workforce about menopause.

Boots team, 2022 Menopause Friendly Award-Winners on stage with Louise Minchin

aster group

Aster group were awarded the 2022 Best Support Group for their hugely popular colleague support and community.

Aster Group team, 2022 Menopause Friendly Award-Winners on stage with Louise Minchin
American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) logo | Attendee at The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024

“The event has such a ‘feel good’ factor about it, like awards without the competition! The camaraderie was palpable!”

Michelle Wakelin, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards makes a difference to lives

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards raises vital funds for menopause and menstruation related charities, programmes and research alongside ticket sales and donations. Since its inception, the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards has raised £190,000.

Here is some of the difference it’s made…

3 year total
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Bournemouth University Logo | The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards is fully funding a 3 year research study on menopause and autism

Bournemouth University

Fully funding a 3-year study into the impact of menopause symptoms on autistic people, including what sort of support and adjustments may be able to help in the workplace

Daisy Network Logo | Charity Partner for The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards

The Daisy Network

Raising money for The Daisy Network, a charity that supports those impacted by early menopause and POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency) through providing information, support groups and more.

Meet the Menopause Friendly judging panel

Alongside governing the Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Standards, the Independent Panel review all applications for the Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards, select short listers, highly commended entries and winners.

Alongside the Awards, they are also responsible for governing the Menopause Friendly standards, reviewing applications for The Menopause Friendly Accreditation.

All experts in their field, with distinguished careers across a huge range of industries. Above all, they have one thing in common: they’re passionate about accelerating change in menopause in the workplace best practice.

Professor Jo Brewis | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work

PROFESSOR JO BREWIS

Professor Brewis is co-author of the Government Equalities Office,  Menopause transition: effects on women’s economic participation .

Putting this work into practice by introducing the first university menopause policy in the UK, and helping employers understand why being menopause friendly is urgent and important.

Evelyn Dickey | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work

Evelyn dickey

A Non-Executive Director on the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Board, Evelyn has extensive People Leadership experience.

She pioneered the introduction of the first menopause policy in Severn Trent in 2017 and has continually encouraged other employers to do the same.

Paul Sesay | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Paul sesay

Paul Sesay is the Founder and CEO of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers, National Diversity Awards, Excellence in Diversity Awards and The Diversity Group.

With nearly 20 years’ experience within the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion sector, Paul has worked with some of the largest organisations in the world on their diversity and inclusion.

Susannah Fish OBE | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

susannah fish obe

Ex-Chief Constable Sue Fish OBE introduced the first menopause policy into a police force in 2017, during her 30-year policing career.

She’s passionate about menopause and leadership, encouraging all employers to take menopause awareness, education and support seriously.

Jog Hundle | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

jog hundle

Jog heads the health and care employment team at  Mills & Reeve, having specialised in the sector for over 25 years.

She’s passionate about helping employers understand the importance of taking menopause seriously to benefit employees and the organisation.

Heidi Cooper - Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Heidi cooper

Heidi is an Associate in the Employment and Immigration team at HCR Law.

It’s her mission to make sure menopause is discussed as openly as the office coffee order and weekend plans. Partnering with Henpicked in 2018, she passionately champions menopause awareness and regularly educates organisations on the critical aspects of menopause in the workplace.

Suzanne Banks CBE | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Suzanne banks cbe

A recently retired NHS chief nurse, Suzanne is passionate about raising the profile of menopause in the workplace, having created and introduced the comprehensive programme at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Foundation Trust in 2018.

Since then, she’s encouraged other NHS Trusts to take action.

Anne Bell | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel member | Menopause at work

anne bell

Anne was the Senior People Lead at HSBC UK Corporate Bank. She was instrumental in recognising the need for menopause awareness, education and providing support for individuals.

She started the campaign resulting in  HSBC UK becoming the UK’s first accredited Menopause Friendly employer.

Belinda Steffan | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

dr BELINDA STEFFAN

Belinda is a Research Fellow and gender scholar at the University of Edinburgh studying how work is reciprocally influenced by the intersection of gender, age and health and well-being.

Working with industry partners, she develops practical, meaningful workplace solutions around gender, age, health and work. Her research-led lectures address local and global workforce challenges of business and the future of work.

Pamela Hutchins | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at Work| The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

pamela hutchinson

As the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Bloomberg, Pamela leads the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives around the world whilst establishing strategic direction, goals and accountability.

Pamela is cited as one of the most visible and vocal thought leaders and advocates for diversity across the private sector and has more than 20 years’ experience in managing diversity cross engineering, financial services, technology and media.

Helen Normoyle | Menopause Friendly Independent Panel Member | Menopause at work | The Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Helen normoyle

Helen is co-founder of My Menopause Centre, an online clinic and community empowering women to take control of their menopause.

She has held Chief Marketing Officer roles with Boots, the BBC, DFS and Countrywide and worked in broadcast and telecoms regulation at Ofcom and in the mobile technology sector with Motorola.

CAROL ATKINSON

Professor Carol Atkinson has undertaken research into menopause in the workplace, including the police service and the NHS.

She has written research papers and blogs about this, including for  The Conversation and Sage Perspectives. Her work has lead to changes in practice, one NHS developing its  Women’s Health Policy as a result.

THERESA WINTERS

Theresa was the Senior HR Manager for Employee Experience at Santander UK.

She led the creation of a broad programme of menopause support that saw Santander recognised as Best Open Workplace at the Menopause Friendly Employer awards in 2023 and Theresa was the first recipient of the Carolyn Lazarus award in 2022, recognising her personal contribution of raising awareness of menopause across the UK, within and outside the workplace.

PAUL STARBUCK

Paul is an Executive Coach and Leadership Development Specialist with extensive experience as a senior leader in retail and healthcare before founding  Starbuck & Associates.

His business offers a range of coaching and development programmes, including those tailored for women in leadership and for those navigating perimenopause and menopause.

From the moment I walked into the hotel to the moment I left, I felt excited and energised.

There were a number of highlights throughout the evening, our table was such good fun and we danced the night away with new menopause friends. The food was lovely, the staff attentive and the who event was magically run.

My overall highlight has to be meeting Lisa Snowdon who was adorable, and asked me where I got my dress from. Wow!

Fiona Parkinson, EON

The opportunity to network with a fabulous bunch of like-minded, positive people. Fabulous night!

Melanie Johnson-Remy, Ramboll

The whole experience was amazing. The venue was beautiful and the ceremony was structured and flowed well. The food was excellent and plenty to drink. The highlight for me was our organisation winning which was the biggest bonus and totally unexpected.

Leigh Staff, Young Epilepsy

The event has such a ‘feel good’ factor about it, like awards without the competition! The camaraderie was palpable! The perfect mix of networking, dining, drinking and dancing!

Michelle Wakelin, American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)

Lovely meet and greet on the red carpet and a very well organised move through to be seated. I was impressed that timings went well all night and the food was incredible. Staff serving us were lovely and very professional too.

Highlight was connecting with people (old friends and new) that we are normally only able to meet virtually and feeling the depth of warmth and positivity in the room….and of course winning a special award 🙂

Jackie Williams, HSBC

From start to finish the room is filled with love, warmth and happiness.

Amanda O’Loughlin, British Airways

Henpicked Diamond Logo - White Transparent

Not a member yet? Book a call to get started…

You need to be a Menopause Friendly Member to apply for menopause awards and a Menstruation Friendly Member to apply for menstruation awards.

It’s not too late to join – book a free call to discuss membership options with a member of our expert team.

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