TVP Celebrates Third Consecutive Menopause Friendly Award

We are thrilled to announce that our Force has been recognised with the 2024 Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer Award, marking our third consecutive award from The Menopause Friendly Accreditation. This incredible achievement highlights three years of commitment to supporting our colleagues affected by menopause.

The Most Inclusive Menopause Friendly Employer Award is given to the organisation that best recognises the diverse experiences of menopause and considers intersectionality in how gender, age, ethnicity, and cultural differences impact colleagues.

Our journey started in 2021 with the launch of the Menopause Action Group (MAG) on World Menopause Day. MAG was established to raise awareness and offer support to those directly impacted by menopause and perimenopause, as well as their line managers and colleagues. We are proud of our initiatives, including access to trained Menopause Buddies, menopause-friendly uniforms, women-only fitness tests, and creating male allies to foster greater understanding.

In 2022, we were the first police force accredited as Menopause Friendly, receiving the Most Open Workplace Award. In 2023, we followed this with the Employer of the Year Award, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to making TVP a supportive and inclusive workplace. Our work in retaining talented staff and ensuring menopause is openly discussed among all colleagues continues to make a difference.

This year’s award was accepted on behalf of Thames Valley Police by Sergeant Karen Shaw and Acting Inspector Sara Sayers, who both expressed their pride in the team’s achievements. Karen said:

“Walking up on stage to collect our third award was emotional and empowering. It’s a team effort that can only be achieved within a workplace that fosters inclusivity and a supportive culture. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey to help achieve future awards. I’m chuffed to bits.”

Sara added:

“I’m proud to be part of changing the narrative and breaking the taboo around menopause, which is part of our lives but can have massive implications on everyday life. It’s about making everyone realise that its symptoms cause issues, and the person is still a valued member of the team who needs support.”

Thames Valley Police was presented with its award by a sponsor, Paul Fussey, Chief Financial and Commercial Officer, Specsavers, and Independent Panel Member Suzanne Banks CBE, retired NHS Chief Nurse who commented:

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Thames Valley Police for winning this category. This year we saw so many excellent examples of organisations ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and included in their menopause approach. This category is at the heart of understanding that everyone’s experience of menopause is unique and important.”

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At TVP, we are committed to continuing this journey, and expanding our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone. To find out more information about how your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing will be supported during a career with TVP, please visit our Supporting You on TVP Careers.