In a move being hailed as a national benchmark, Manchester City Council has become the first authority in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to be formally accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer – signalling a cultural shift in how large public bodies support women at work.
The accreditation, awarded by Menopause Friendly UK, recognises organisations that go beyond awareness and embed menopause support into everyday workplace practice.
For Manchester, it reflects three years of sustained change: from flexible working and menopause-specific cognitive behavioural therapy, to workplace adjustments and open conversations led by senior staff – including male colleagues sharing their own experiences and championing allyship.
More than 2,500 council employees have now completed menopause awareness training, with hundreds more attending learning sessions. A thriving internal peer network, “Menopause and Me”, offers staff a safe space to talk about symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety and fatigue, helping to dismantle long-standing stigma.
The council is also working with NHS Greater Manchester to deliver the Winning Hearts and Minds hub in Harpurhey, a community space set up in 2024 where women can learn about perimenopause and menopause, share experiences and challenge myths in a supportive environment.
Cllr Becky Chambers, deputy executive member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said the accreditation was about visibility and dignity. “There is still a stigma around talking about menopause. This is a commitment to our staff that they are seen and understood, and that managers and leaders are equipped to support them,” she said.
“There should be no taboo. Our ambition is to make Manchester a menopause-friendly city, and this is one way we are doing that.”
The accreditation is assessed by an independent panel and rewards organisations that provide education for managers, practical workplace adjustments and a culture of openness.
Deborah Garlick, chief executive of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked, said Manchester was “setting the standard” for large employers.
“Its inclusive, people-led approach shows a genuine commitment to listening, learning and taking action across a diverse workforce,” she said. “With visible senior leadership and practical support in place, it is creating a culture where menopause is understood, talked about and supported.”
For thousands of women across the city, it represents something simple yet powerful: a workplace where menopause is no longer hidden, but understood.
