Nottingham College is proud to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation. Established in 2021 by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, the accreditation recognises organisations that demonstrate high standards and proven practices which support colleagues experiencing menopause.
Industry recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards for employers, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is considered the leading sign of excellence for menopause support in the workplace.
To achieve the accreditation, Nottingham College underwent a rigorous assessment by an independent panel and demonstrated the effectiveness of its work across five key areas. These included culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and the working environment.
As part of the evaluation, the panel praised the college’s commitment, noting:
“The person-centred approach to reasonable adjustments and the range of support infrastructure - including Mental Health First Aiders, Occupational Health and EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) provision - reflect a comprehensive wellbeing offer.”
A leading example of this is the College’s Cafe Connections programme, which began with the first Menopause Cafe in November 2019. This safe and welcoming space encourages staff to understand menopause, take part in confident conversations and build a legacy in which no one feels unprepared for this important stage of life. The Cafe offers opportunities to share ideas, learn from guest speakers and explore medical and non-medical approaches to managing menopause, including physical health, nutrition and emotional wellbeing.
Janet Smith, CEO and Principal at Nottingham College, said: “The panel was fully supportive of the inclusive culture Nottingham College is fostering to support colleagues experiencing menopause. What stands out is the longevity and authenticity of the approach. This is not new work - it has been evolving since 2019 and continues to mature.
“The Menopause Café model is a clear strength. It is more than a discussion space - it shapes policy, informs governance and reflects genuine colleague voice. The influence of the Café, including inspiring additional inclusion Cafés, signals meaningful cultural impact.”
This announcement comes after the college established a membership with the charity Endometriosis UK in 2025, becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Employer to help support staff affected by endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions. In the same year, Nottingham College was also ranked as the top further education college in the United Kingdom in the Best Companies to Work For list.
For more details on the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, please visit: https://menopausefriendly.co.uk/