Survey seeks views from across policing on menopause
Men and women are being urged to speak out about menopause as the Police Federation seeks to improve understanding and support
To mark World Menopause Day, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), working with the national Menopause Action Group, has today launched its second survey, ‘EveryonePause’, to assess the correct current position of the UK’s policing in addressing an important issue that affects the entire workforce – the menopause. The Federation believes it is relevant for everyone to stop and take part in the survey, to have their say on an issue that has much wider implications than what is generally perceived.
This is the second survey of its kind to be launched across policing and will be supported by a number of policing organisations, stakeholders and working groups. The first survey was carried out by the PFEW in 2018.
PFEW wants to build on the success of the first survey that helped forces, locally and nationally, focus on what was needed across policing to support those in transition with the right support in place to assist in the workplace. The evidence generated by the first survey provided key insights to build the National Menopause Guidance, which is still in place across all forces. After five years, it is time to analyse and understand what the current picture and what still needs to be done.
Leading on the initiative for the Federation, Women’s lead, Hayley Aley, said: “Across PFEW, women representatives have reported that there is improvement since the first survey findings and the progress forces have made to support officers and staff are welcomed. However, the picture varies from force to force and we now want to see what still needs to be done to support all at this difficult time in their lives.
“We are all working longer hours and in differing roles, and this transition can have a huge effect and impact greatly on capabilities within the workplace. To support organisations in realising the scope and scale of issues around the menopause, we are asking officers, staff and line managers for their support with this survey. It’s not solely about personal experiences, we also want to understand the awareness of line managers and senior leaders around this subject and what training is in place. It is anticipated that the findings of the second survey will help with the education, standardisation, understanding and right support for all.
“Senior leaders have a responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of their workforce, and to support individuals appropriately when they need it. The purpose of this survey is to give us the evidence we can provide to leaders to action what needs to change, to praise those that are getting it right, to share some good practice and to ensure forces provide the right support and guidance to all. This will ultimately give confidence to individuals that when it is their turn to face this transition, if needed, appropriate support and adjustments can be identified and made available.”
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “I encourage people to participate in this survey so we can better understand how changes made since the last survey have impacted women experiencing symptoms of menopause and those supporting them, as well as areas where we could be making further improvements.”