LJMU achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation

LJMU has achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation, making it the first university in the North West to achieve this standard, and only the fourth university in the UK.

Menopause Friendly Accreditation was established by Henpicked in 2021 to certify high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.

In order to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, LJMU was assessed by an independent panel and was required to demonstrate evidence of its effectiveness in five key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, and working environment.

A ‘best in class’ marker, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation differentiates employers who have demonstrated the positive impact of their actions in supporting people experiencing menopause.

LJMU has joined an elite group of menopause friendly accredited employers, from FTSE100 companies to charities, public sector bodies to high street retailers and global banking groups to football clubs. All proudly display their badge to show they have made adjustments to their working environment and implemented practices to change the lived experience of menopause in their workplace.

Positive panel feedback

The panel agreed that there is clear momentum and a strong cultural foundation in place at LJMU. They welcomed the continued development and application of the institution’s menopause policy, and praised consultation with trade unions, staff networks and academic partners.

The panel acknowledged that plans for training demonstrated clear strategic intent and measurable reach, as well as active promotion of resources, events, research participation and peer support.

Evidence showed engagement extending beyond awareness days, indicating sustained visibility throughout the year.

The panel recognised that empowering line managers to implement reasonable adjustments without immediate Occupational Health referral reflects a practical and supportive approach.

The availability of both internal and external support options enables individuals to choose different routes for guidance and assistance to suit them.

Sustained work that is ‘making a real difference’

I’m absolutely delighted that the independent panel has awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation to Liverpool John Moores University. Their commitment is clear – from visible senior HR advocacy to the safe spaces, menopause cafés and wellbeing initiatives that encourage open conversation and practical support. This is sustained, structured work that is making a real difference across a large and diverse organisation, and it’s such a pleasure to see their progress recognised.

Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause in the Workplace by Henpicked

Tina Purkis, Executive Director Human Resources at LJMU, said: “After months of hard work collating evidence from the last few years of activity here at LJMU, we are proud to announce that we have achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation. We are fully committed to supporting our staff during this transitional phase in their lives and understand that the perimenopause and the menopause can really impact people’s working lives. At LJMU we really care about our staff and want people to understand that we are here to support them at all times during their career.”

‘Just the beginning’

Throughout 2026, colleagues in Human Resources will focus on making more training opportunities available, engaging further with staff networks, and increasing visibility of actions and support available.

To keep the conversation about menopause going, monthly Menopause Cafés will continue to be hosted and themed sessions, both in-person and online, will be arranged to both enhance support available on key menopause topics and aid the gathering of feedback to continuously review, improve and increase provisions across the university.

Liz Cousins, Benefits and Wellbeing Business Services Assistant, said "We are keen to bring people together regularly to share experiences, learning together through open conversations, and creating an environment where colleagues feel confident, informed, and included."

Requests have already been received for sessions that focus on pain management, as well as relaxation and meditation, which have been proven to reduce anxiety, increase circulation, and improve concentration, all symptoms that are commonly associated with the menopause.

Amanda Mannion, HR Policy and Project Manager, said: “We began this journey back in 2020 and have been supported by many colleagues along the way. We are really pleased to have achieved the accreditation, but this is just the beginning. We want to continue with the momentum and welcome further thoughts and ideas on what we should do next for those directly impacted by menopause; with your help, we can shape and develop the provision, making LJMU a truly menopause friendly employer.”

How LJMU staff can get involved

• Access support via the Menopause pages on the Staff Wellbeing Hub
• Join the Menopause Matters Teams Group
• Visit the Staff Events page for future Menopause Cafés, themed webinars and activities
• Email the Menopause Matters inbox with any queries, ideas or suggestions