National Menopause Guidance to help forces better support officers going through the menopause

12 September 2019

Forces across England and Wales will be in a better place to support officers and staff going through the menopause, with the launch of force guidance on the matter.

Greater Manchester Police Federation has welcomed the new National Menopause Guidance that has been rolled out across England and Wales.

The publication of the guidance, which also coincides with National 999 day, is designed to help forces better support officers and staff who are going through the Menopause.

The guidance should also help forces better understand the symptoms and take the issue more seriously.

GMP Federation Equality Lead Brett Grange is in full support of the publication of the new guidance and says it will help to shine a light on the impact that the menopause has on fellow colleagues.

“It’s clear we should all work to clear any stigma and talk about the menopause and there is a role for everyone to support each other no matter what may be affecting us”, said Brett.

According to the PFEW’s recent Menopause survey, 97% of women who have experienced the menopause said that the symptoms had been problematic in the workplace with a further 40% of respondents suggesting that the symptoms were extremely problematic for them.

Brett said: “Previous generations would never discuss the menopause, meaning the symptoms are not widely known.”

Now, with the help of the National Guidance, GMP Federation are hoping colleagues will be able to better understand the menopause and be more open in talking about it.

To aid this further, there are a series of upcoming Menopause Cafés, being held at Sedgley Park Canteen.

They are a mix of supportive information and peer support. There will be details abut the force guidance and also about other related functions i.e. the Occupational Health Unit.

These will take place on a three-monthly basis, beginning in November 2019 through until August 2020.

A full list of café dates can be found below:

Tuesday 12th November 2019 - 11am – 1pm
Tuesday 11th February 2020 - 11am – 1pm
Wednesday 13th May 2020 - 11am – 1pm
Wednesday 12th Aug 2020 - 11am – 1pm

The National Guidance has also been made available for officers and staff and can be accessed via https://www.polfed.org/menopause