Bristol-based charity Brunelcare launches new Menopause Policy

“It’s great the policy has come into play, and it’ll make a huge difference to our female workforce!”  

Bristol-based charity Brunelcare is proud to announce the launch of its new menopause policy, further demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to supporting its employees at every stage of life. The policy is part of Brunelcare’s broader people-focused culture, designed to empower employees and ensure they can thrive both personally and professionally in the workplace.  

The Menopause Policy applies to all employees across Brunelcare, including remote and part-time employees. It offers a range of supportive measures such as flexible working hours, the option for remote work, temperature-controlled environments, and adjustments to workstations or uniforms to help manage symptoms.  

The policy, which has been developed over the last 14 months, also ensures that employees can access resources such as educational materials and support services, and receive paid time off for menopause-related medical appointments.  

Brunelcare employs around 1,100 people, approximately 84% of whom are women. Of those female employees, approximately 42% are aged 45 or older, placing a significant portion of the workforce in the age bracket most likely to experience menopause.  

The new policy has been developed in partnership with the Bristol Menopause & Wellwoman Clinic, which has also provided training for all Brunelcare managers, mental health first-aiders and the human resources team to promote awareness and create a respectful, supportive environment. 

A 2023 report by the Chartered Insitute for Personnel and Development found that 73% of employees it surveyed had experienced menopause symptoms, with 67% saying it had a mostly negative effect on their work, and over half (53%) reporting they were unable to go to work due to their symptoms.  

The CIPD’s report also suggested that only around a quarter of the employees surveyed (24%) said their organisation had a stated menopause policy or other support measures in place, however 43% said their workplace did not, and around a third didn’t know.  

Brian Whittaker, Head of People Services at Brunelcare, said: “We are so thrilled to be finally launching the menopause policy! It’s a huge step in the right direction for us as a charity and with the policy now in place, confidentiality is a key aspect of the policy, with all menopause-related discussions treated sensitively. Regular reviews will ensure the policy remains up to date, with feedback from employees used to assess its impact. According to Simply Health's 2023 survey, 23% of working women aged 40 to 60 considered resigning due to menopause, with 14% actively planning to quit.  These statistics highlight just how crucial it is to provide inclusive, informed, and compassionate support for those navigating menopause in the workplace. 

“This initiative underscores Brunelcare’s dedication to creating a supportive and accommodating environments for all employees, recognising the varied physical and emotional effects of menopause. We are proud to be supporting our colleagues.” 

Julie Walker, Centre Manager at Brunelcare’s Colliers Gardens extra care housing scheme, said: “Brunelcare is creating a supportive and flexible work environment for employees experiencing menopause. It’s great the policy has come into play, and it’ll make a huge difference to our female workforce!” 

Brunelcare will review the policy every three years or sooner if there is a change in legislation or the organisation’s procedures, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.