World Menopause Day: Officers urged to complete survey

18 October 2023

The national EveryonePause menopause survey provides an ideal opportunity to help develop forces’ policy, says Derbyshire Police Federation wellbeing lead Helen Gallear.

Helen was speaking as the Federation launched its second menopause survey today to coincide with World Menopause Day (18 October).

“It is incredibly important that as many officers as possible take part in this survey,” says Helen, “Only by getting a good response rate, can the Federation really look to help the police service develop understanding and support for those experiencing the menopause.

“While women, typically in their mid to late 40s and 50s, may suffer the debilitating effects of the menopause, it can also have an impact on their partners, their wider families and, of course, their work colleagues. It was not that long ago that few people even talked about the menopause so it is good that more and more people are becoming aware of the effects it can have. However, there is still a way to go and surveys such as this can really help – but we need as many people as possible to take part,” says Helen.

The Federation is hoping to build on the success of its first menopause survey, which was carried out five years ago and was used to help develop National Menopause Guidance which is in place across all forces.

The present survey is a joint project being conducted by researchers at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), and on behalf of PFEW, UNISON, the Police Superintendents’ Association, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

National Federation women’s lead Hayley Aley, who is taking the lead with the survey, explained: “Across the Federation, women representatives have reported that there is improvement since the first survey findings and the progress forces have made to support officers and staff are welcomed. However, the picture varies from force to force and we now want to see what still needs to be done to support all at this difficult time in their lives.”

She added: “To support organisations in realising the scope and scale of issues around the menopause, we are asking officers, staff and line managers for their support with this survey. It’s not solely about personal experiences, we also want to understand the awareness of line managers and senior leaders around this subject and what training is in place. It is anticipated that the findings of the second survey will help with the education, standardisation, understanding and right support for all.

“Senior leaders have a responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of their workforce, and to support individuals appropriately when they need it. The purpose of this survey is to give us the evidence we can provide to leaders to action what needs to change, to praise those that are getting it right, to share some good practice and to ensure forces provide the right support and guidance to all.”

The survey goes live today and will remain open for six weeks.

Take part in the survey.