Humberside Fire and Rescue becomes UK’s first fire service to be recognised for menopause training

Menopause awareness in the workplace is gaining momentum, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has just made history. It has become the first fire service in the UK to receive the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, after completing workplace training delivered by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace.

This recognition is a major step forward, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries like firefighting, where open discussions about menopause have been rare.

Leading the way in workplace menopause support

The accreditation follows a structured training programme that included:

• A dedicated menopause policy to provide clear guidance and support
• Awareness workshops to educate employees and managers
• Networking groups to encourage open conversations
• Workplace adjustments to help those experiencing symptoms continue to perform at their best.

Jordan Kerman, head of occupational health and wellbeing at Humberside Fire and Rescue, called it a “major milestone”, adding: “We view creating an inclusive workplace not just as a duty, but as an opportunity to support our staff’s wellbeing and foster a supportive environment.”

“We are very proud to be the first Fire and Rescue Service in the UK to achieve Menopause Friendly Accreditation… and remain committed to continuing our growth as an inclusive organisation where all employees of Humberside Fire & Rescue Service feel confident and comfortable at work.”

Henpicked CEO Deborah Garlick praised the service for its leadership, and for “making such a positive impact within their workplace.”

A growing conversation on menopause at work

Humberside’s achievement comes at a time when menopause in the workplace is making national and international headlines.

A recent survey by Research Without Barriers found that more than 1 million women could be forced out of their jobs within a year because their employers are failing to support them, and with studies revealing that 45% of women feel menopause symptoms have a negative impact on their work, it’s clear there’s need for greater support across all industries.

Fortunately in many parts of the world, including the UK, menopause support in workplaces is expanding. Major employers like HSBC, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s have rolled out dedicated policies and earned praise for their initiatives.

Other companies include:

• Royal Mail: In collaboration with GenM, Royal Mail established a menopause taskforce. Their “Let’s Talk Menopause” campaign includes awareness initiatives and eLearning modules for all employees.

• St. James’s Place (SJP): SJP has implemented a formal menopause policy offering flexible work arrangements, rest facilities, and resources like the “Fabulous Flushers” network and Bupa toolkits accessible via their intranet.

• Charles Stanley: This wealth management firm provides menopause support through webinars and personalised assistance in partnership with Canada Life and Bupa. They host annual “Espresso sessions” to encourage open discussions on menopause, featuring experts such as Kate Usher.

• BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation is among the over 600 employers that have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge, demonstrating a commitment to supporting employees through menopause.

• Moody’s, a leading risk assessment organisation, have made several changes to ensure both female and male employees feel supported in their work, whether they’re going through the menopause directly, or have someone close to them who is. (You can read more of their story here.)

High-profile women in media, politics, sport and business are now openly discussing menopause and perimenopause, helping to dismantle the associated stigma. Across the Atlantic, Oprah Winfrey is set to shine a global spotlight on the issue with her upcoming ‘Menopause Revolution’ TV special on 31 March 2025, featuring big names like Halle Berry and Naomi Watts, whose newly-published book shares all the latest learnings on managing menopause symptoms.

These developments reflect a wider shift towards better education, awareness, and support, ensuring more women receive the help they need rather than suffering in silence — or worse, feeling forced to leave their jobs.

With 1 in 10 women leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms (Fawcett Society, 2022), structured training like that introduced at Humberside Fire and Rescue could make a real difference. 

As more organisations follow suit, menopause support in the workplace is becoming the new standard, not just an optional extra.