Over 100 exceptional entries to the 2023 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards have been closely reviewed and assessed and the finalists have been chosen. The Independent Panel had to take their deliberations into a second day, such was the quantity and quality of applications to review.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our independent judging panel for their time and care over the last two days,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “Without their insight and professionalism the Awards simply would not be possible. Their dedication to assessing each and every application in detail reassures me that this year’s finalists are all highly deserving of the recognition they have received.” 

Without exception, the entries from organisations and individuals for 12 awards clearly demonstrated the commitment, impact and effectiveness of their menopause friendly strategies and initiatives. It is evident that these inspirational employers and people are raising the bar for menopause in the workplace.

“Employers across all sectors, and of all sizes, are putting menopause friendly action at the forefront,” says Deborah. “Employers ranging from high street banks to charities, NHS Trusts to football clubs and retailers to local councils are all showing what can be done when you understand the importance of something to people.

Hard work is paying off

“On a personal level, I have been overwhelmed by the response we have had to our second Menopause Friendly Employer Awards. I fully appreciate just how hard these employers and individuals within workplaces are working to ensure that they are menopause friendly for their workplace today and long into the future.”

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards is a great opportunity to showcase the impact and difference that these organisations and individuals are making to the everyday lives of so many people. By highlighting their achievements, it offers the chance for other organisations across the UK to be encouraged and inspired to begin and progress their own journeys to become menopause friendly.

And the winners are…

…not so fast!  The winners will be announced at the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

Powered by headline sponsors HSBC UK, first direct, M&S Bank and Peppy, this prestigious event will celebrate and reward excellence among organisations and individuals going above and beyond. Once again, broadcaster and menopause champion Louise Minchin will be the evening’s host. The Awards will welcome 350 guests in person while hundreds more will join via live link from across the country. Seats and tables are being snapped up quickly now the finalists are known but there’s still time to book your place here.

Giving back

As well as celebrating the wonderful work being done in the workplace, the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards aims to raise £100,000 for a range of menopause-related charities, programmes and research. This is a key objective of the event whereby the contribution from sponsors, employers and partners attending the event will enable profits from the evening to be channelled towards good causes.

None of this would be possible without the amazing sponsors. Taking their place alongside the headline sponsors are Accenture, BAE Systems, Boots and No7, Bristol Myers Squibb, British Airways, Lloyds Banking Group, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Theramex and Vitabiotics. 

This year’s finalists

The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards were judged by the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel who were looking particularly for the impact achieved within the workplace.

The finalists in each category are as follows:

Menopause Friendly Employer of the Year

• BAE Systems

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Cadent Gas

• HSBC UK | first direct | M&S Bank

• Marine Management Organisation

• Thames Valley Police

• Unilever UK & Ireland

Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer 

• BAE Systems

• Colt Technology Services

• HSBC UK | first direct | M&S Bank

• Joined Up Care Derbyshire

• Moody’s Corporation

Most Open Workplace

• Aramark

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Mott MacDonald

• Santander

• South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and South Yorkshire Integrated Care

• Thames Valley Police

Best Engagement Campaign

• BT Group

• Colt Technology Services

• Department for Education

• Medical Protection Society

Most Menopause Friendly Environment

• Correla

• Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

• QVC

Best Trained Workforce

• BAE Systems

• Boots | No7 Beauty Company

• Bristol Myers Squibb

• Holland & Barrett

• University of Greenwich

Best Training Initiative

• Boots | No7 Beauty Company

• BT Group

• Dentons

• Department for Education

• Experian

Best Support Group

• British Airways

• BNP Paribas

• Close Brothers Group Plc

• Hewlett Packard Enterprise

• Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

• Lloyds Banking Group

• Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

• WTW

Most Supportive Partner

• Derby County Community Trust

• Huddersfield Town FC

• University of Greenwich

Community Award

• Sarah Garton – Accenture

• Maria Hathaway – Stonewater

• Lisa Hogg – Independent Assessment Services (IAS) by Atos

• Brigitte Kavani- NHS South Yorkshire ICB

• Maureen Montague – University of Greenwich

• Nancy Reeve – WTW

• Paula Rix – Medical Protection Society

• Jill Ross – Accenture

• Marie-Anne Sandler – First Source

• Gill Thomas – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The Carolyn Lazarus Award

• To be announced on the night!