Introducing our Menopause Policy
Following recently released guidance by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), employers, must now take menopause seriously and provide reasonable adjustments for their employees. For schools, this is a very welcome addition as many have been slow to adapt their working practices in recent years.
As a Head Teacher, with a staff of almost 200, I know that female colleagues have welcomed our new approach at Radnor House Sevenoaks which aims to support them through the menopause. From the start of this term, we launched a series of forums and talks aimed at raising awareness and shifting the focus from frustration to one of openness across the school community.
Our new Menopause Policy goes one step further and establishes our guiding principles and underlying philosophy when it comes to ensuring colleagues feel listened to and able to fulfil their jobs with dignity and professionalism.
In addition to a staff-wide approach, menopause education is being taught as part of the PSHEE curriculum and wider RSE programme with the goal of helping all genders understand the natural changes that occur to each of us over a lifetime. And, with education comes understanding and the hope that in time our graduates will become equally conscious of their role in developing a supportive culture in their own homes and work environments.
For more information on what you can do to improve menopause awareness click here.