Federation launches survey to mark World Menopause Day

18 October 2023

All officers are being encouraged to take part in the second national menopause survey in a bid to help improve understanding and support across the police service.

The ‘EveryonePause’ survey is launched today (Wednesday 18 October) to coincide with World Menopause Day.

“While I know we can all feel overwhelmed by surveys, it is really important that as many people as possible find the time to fill out this survey so that Federation can build on the success of its first menopause survey five years ago. The results of that survey helped produce National Menopause Guidance adopted by forces across England and Wales,” says Roger Webb, secretary of Dyfed Powys Police Federation.

“The survey is open to all officers, women who are experiencing the menopause but also men who are perhaps living or working with someone having menopausal symptoms. Perhaps you are a line manager and you have your own experiences to share in terms of offering support.

“The menopause can be a difficult time in a woman’s life and combining that with the day to day pressures involved in policing can be very challenging. The Federation is keen to improve understanding of coping with the menopause while working in the police service but it needs an input from officers and staff to be able to accurately reflect people’s experiences.”

World Menopause Day

National Federation women’s lead Hayley Aley, who is taking the lead with the survey, has also urged as many people as possible to take part in the online survey.

She 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, which goes live today and is open for six weeks, 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.

Take part in the survey.