Huge congratulations to law firm Burness Paull LLP. They impressed our Independent Panel to become Scotland’s first Menopause Friendly accredited employer. 

The Independent Panel called their submission a ‘stunning application’ and said their menopause campaign work even exceeded the exacting standards of the panel. 

Panel member Sue Fish told them: “It’s clear that you’ve created a really inclusive culture where it’s easy and comfortable to talk about menopause. And it’s also clear how much your colleagues really appreciate and value the difference that it makes. 

“Your communication and engagement are excellent. You’ve got a great plan which provides readily available resources for all your colleagues. And we were particularly impressed by the courage of your role models sharing their stories. 

“Particular thanks for all you’ve done to provide menopause in the workplace knowledge to your clients, the government in Scotland and to wider organisations.”

Burness Paull introduced a range of menopause support measures, including: 

• Encouraging an open culture in which menopause could be freely discussed

• Developing a comprehensive plan, with resources made readily available for colleagues

• Creating a team of menopause champions, sharing their stories

• Providing training for everyone within the organisation

• Starting a menopause support group

• Keeping the conversations and education flowing during Covid with a menopause Book Group

• Making it easy for colleagues to obtain fans

• Working with their Employee Assistance Provider to give access to even more menopause support

Chair Peter Lawson said: “At Burness Paull we are absolutely committed to creating a culture where everyone can be themselves and maximise their own potential. I was hugely impressed with our menopause champions coming forward and being so brave, to raise awareness. I’ve seen right across the firm the impact that’s had for all our colleagues.”

Morag Moffett, partner and chair of BeIncluded Network, said: “We like to think of ourselves as an employer of choice and we want to support our people to thrive at work. We recognise that they come to work bringing all sorts of things with them that they experience health wise and otherwise at home, and menopause is one of those. We recognise how debilitating that can be in terms of impact at work. 

“To have an accreditation like this speaks volumes about the efforts made across the firm. To be the first to have that accreditation in Scotland is fantastic.”

Mandy Laurie, Head of Employment Division, said: “Productivity and talent is being lost because of lack of understanding and support. Businesses are losing many people who should be in senior positions, bringing insightful and diverse views at board level. Recognition by employers of the impact that the menopause has on someone’s capability is a business-critical decision. 

“Making small changes which are often short term can make the difference between having your star player on the bench for a season or sending your investment into retirement – and who wants that?”

Congratulations to all involved, it really was a great application. See their response to receiving their accreditation here: