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

With thanks to our wonderful sponsors

These inspirational employers are demonstrating that wellbeing is a top priority for their brand and that they’re keen to keep the drumbeat going, whilst encouraging others to join in.

Peppy Health Logo | Sponsor of The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards
Boots Logo _ Independently Accredited Menopause Friendly Employer | Menopause at work
No7 Beauty Company Logo _ Independently Accredited Menopause Friendly Employer
QVC LOGO - MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY EMPLOYER AWARDS 2024 FINALIST
Standard Chartered | Sponsor of Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Most Menopause Friendly Environment - Finalist - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025 - Mars UK Ltd
British Airways LOGO - MENOPAUSE FRIENDLY EMPLOYER AWARDS 2024 FINALIST
Vitabiotics Menopause Logo | Sponsor of The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2024

Supported by…

BSI menopause friendly
CIPD menopause friendly
Society of Occupational Medicine, Menopause friendly
The Gym Group, menopause friendly

Congratulations to this year’s award winners…

HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank | Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year | The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Private Sector

HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank

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

  • Highly Commended: AtkinsRéalis
See all finalists

HSBC UK, first direct and M&S Bank, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, AtkinsRéalis, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year – Public Sector

Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

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

  • Highly Commended: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
See all finalists

Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire County Council

Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust - Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year (Public Sector) - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust - Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year (Public Sector) - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
AtkinsRealis - Most Open Culture - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Most Open Culture (Menopause)

AtkinsRéalis

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

  • Highly Commended: City of Wolverhampton Council
  • Highly Commended: AMEX GBT
  • Highly Commended: Battersea Dogs and Cats
See all finalists

AtkinsRéalis, City of Wolverhampton Council, AMEX GBT, Battersea, Youth Sport Trust, University Hospitals Birmingham, Experian, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

Most Open Culture (Menstruation)

The Huddersfield Town Association Football Club Limited and Lloyds Banking Group

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

The Huddersfield Town Association Football Club Limited - Most Open Culture (Menstruation) - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Lloyds Banking Group - Most Open Culture (Menstruation) - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Mars - Most Menopause Friendly Environment - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Most Menopause Friendly Environment – Private Sector

Mars UK Ltd

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

See all finalists

Mars UK Ltd, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police, DHU Healthcare, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Together Housing Group

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service - Most Menopause Friendly Environment - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Most Menopause Friendly Environment – Public Sector

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

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

  • Highly Commended: Kent Police
See all finalists

Mars UK Ltd, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police, DHU Healthcare, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Together Housing Group

Alzheimer's Society - Best Engagement Campaign - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Best Engagement Campaign

Alzheimer’s Society

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

  • Highly Commended: HSBC UK first direct M&S
  • Highly Commended: Specsavers Optical Superstores
See all finalists

Alzheimer’s Society, HSBC UK first direct M&S, Specsavers Optical Superstores, Rathbones Group Plc, Amex GBT, Kent Police, Department for Education

Santander - Best Peer to Peer Support - Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025

Best Peer-to-Peer Support

Santander UK

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

  • Highly Commended: Alzheimer’s Society
  • Highly Commended: Northumbria Police
  • Highly Commended: Young Epilepsy and St Piers
  • Highly Commended: London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
See all finalists

Santander, Alzheimer’s Society, Northumbria Police, Young Epilepsy and St Piers, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Battersea, Southeastern Railway, Experian

Best Trained Workforce

Young Epilepsy and St Piers

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

  • Highly Commended: Manchester City Council
  • Highly Commended: Leicestershire County Council
See all finalists

Young Epilepsy and St Piers, Manchester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Amex GBT, Havens Hospices

The Carolyn Lazarus Award for Best Individual Contribution

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

See all finalists

Mandy Baughurst – Leicestershire County Council

Melanie Redfern – AtkinsRealis

Sally Busby – Southeastern

Hayley Douglas – Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

Jodie Millard – Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Mandy Reid – Pheonix Group

Laura McIntosh – Manchester City Council

Nia Alston-Holmes – DHU Healthcare

Angela Carrabotta – London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

Michelle Sereno – Experian

Sarah Gould – Siemens

Eve Homer – Teachers Building Society

Julia Frost – South Tees Hospitals HNS Foundation Trust

Lucie Hodgson – Youth Sport Trust

Lesley Sherwin – Together Housing Group

Hayley Douglas - Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service - The Carolyn Lazarus Award - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Mandy Baughurst - Leicestershire County Council - The Carolyn Lazarus Award - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Melanie Redfern - AtkinsRealis - The Carolyn Lazarus Award - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
Sally Busby - Southeastern - The Carolyn Lazarus Award - The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2025
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

Raising funds for vital charities and research.

Every penny of profit from the annual awards is donated to vital research and charities. With thanks to sponsors and attendees, we’ve raised…

4 year total
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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)

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.

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

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
Ramboll Logo _ Committed to being Menopause Friendly

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

Melanie Johnson-Remy, Ramboll

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

Register your interest for next year

We’re already planning The Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards 2026 — and with every location sold out this this year, it’s not too early to register your interest.