South Yorkshire ICS has successfully achieved Menopause Friendly Re‑Accreditation from Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, demonstrating its continued commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and high‑quality working environment for employees experiencing menopause.
First awarded the Menopause Friendly Accreditation in 2023, South Yorkshire ICS’s re‑accreditation is a significant milestone, confirming not only that high standards have been maintained, but that meaningful progress has continued to be made through its system‑wide Mission Menopause programme Menopause Support and Resources for Health and Care Staff :: South Yorkshire I.C.S.. Benefitting from the positive impact of its practices are the 14 organisations which are part of the South Yorkshire ICS mission to be menopause friendly (SY menopause accreditation) . These organisations make up 52,000 of its workforce across NHS Trusts, local authority and VCSE sectors.
Established in 2021, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is the only industry‑recognised accreditation with clear, measurable standards that organisations must meet. Re‑accreditation requires reassessment by an independent panel and robust evidence of effectiveness across five key areas: culture; policies and practices; training; engagement and the working environment.
What has made the difference
Through Mission Menopause, South Yorkshire has taken a consistent and collaborative approach to embedding menopause support across the workforce. Key actions include:
- Building a strong culture of openness, where menopause is discussed confidently and without stigma
- Implementing clear policies and guidance that empower both employees and managers
- Delivering targeted training and awareness to improve confidence, understanding and compassionate leadership
- Actively engaging staff through menopause champions, networks and lived‑experience insights
- Making practical adjustments to the working environment to better support health, comfort and wellbeing
These actions have resulted in increased awareness, improved conversations between staff and managers and greater confidence for people to seek support at work.
What Re‑Accreditation Means
Re‑accreditation confirms that South Yorkshire ICS has not stood still. It demonstrates a sustained and evolving commitment to menopause inclusion, showing that support is embedded, effective and continually improving rather than a one‑off initiative.
The independent panel’s reassessment process ensures that reaccredited organisations are meeting consistently high standards, with real‑world impact for staff. Achieving re‑accreditation positions South Yorkshire ICS as a system leader and reinforces menopause support as a core element of its people and wellbeing strategy.
A Programme Making a Real Impact
Reflecting on the achievement, Brigitte Kaviani, Programme Director of People Experience, said:
“Achieving Menopause Friendly Re‑Accreditation is something we are incredibly proud of. Mission Menopause led by the People Experience team has shown what’s possible when we listen to our workforce, work collaboratively and commit to sustained change. This isn’t just about a badge – it’s about making sure people feel understood, supported and able to thrive at work. The difference it has made to confidence, conversations and wellbeing across South Yorkshire has been genuinely powerful.”
Looking Ahead
South Yorkshire ICS remains committed to building on this success, continuing to learn, share best practice and strengthen menopause support across the 14 organisations. Its re‑accreditation marks both an achievement and a renewed promise: to keep menopause firmly on the agenda and to ensure that high standards of care, compassion and inclusion are maintained well into the future.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to South Yorkshire ICS on achieving Menopause Friendly Re-Accreditation,” says Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace. “I’m not surprised to see them reach this milestone as their passion for doing what’s right for their people shines through in everything they do. This achievement is a wonderful reflection of their care, commitment and determination to keep making a positive difference and they should be incredibly proud.”