L&Q recognised for menopause support and commitment to women’s health

L&Q support for colleagues recognised by Menopause Friendly Accreditation and Female Health Advocacy award

We’re celebrating national recognition for our support of colleagues, having achieved Menopause Friendly Accreditation and secured an award for Excellence in Female Health Advocacy. 

Colleagues across our two offices in Stratford and Trafford have engaged in awareness training, safe space meetings and wellbeing events to successfully break the taboo around menopause in the workplace.

By turning policies into meaningful action, we’ve also seen a ripple effect with wider conversations among managers, partners, younger colleagues and people who want to understand how to support their family members.

Established in 2021 by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the Menopause Friendly Accreditation certifies high standards and proven practices and is an industry-recognised mark of excellence.

To achieve accreditation, we were assessed by an Independent Panel and demonstrated effectiveness across culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and its working environment.

The accreditation has given us a clear, external benchmark to demonstrate the impact of our actions. It shows our programme is evidence-based and sends a clear message to current and future employees that L&Q takes menopause support seriously.

Two key changes that supported the accreditation were introducing a GP consultation scheme* and training menopause champions.

For many colleagues, their Menopause GP Consultation was the first time they felt listened to by a healthcare practitioner. Meanwhile, having fast access to a menopause medical specialist removes long waiting times and helps colleagues feel they can get proper clinical advice at the right moment.

Through understanding their symptoms and receiving the right treatment, people can stay well at work, feel more confident and remain in their roles.

We’ve also enhanced our employee wellbeing programme by training up menopause champions who offer a safe space to talk, either through a café session or an informal 1:1. Guiding people to the right support and bringing lived experience into the workplace, they ensure menopause support is both relatable and accessible.

“For us, achieving the Menopause Friendly Accreditation is about showing up for colleagues when they need us and supporting them in meaningful ways,” says Suki Sarai, Head of EDI at L&Q. 

“Many women reach menopause at a point where they have built strong experience that is vital to an organisation’s success.

Without the right support, we risk losing their valuable skills and knowledge. Being menopause friendly helps make sure a natural stage of life doesn’t become a barrier to someone’s career.

We want everyone to feel supported, seen and confident to stay and grow at L&Q,” Suki continued.

Kalia Hylands, Chair of L&Q’s Menopause Champions said:

“One of the most striking things on this journey has been how much people want to talk once a safe space is created. We’ve seen colleagues who once felt isolated suddenly realise they’re not alone, and managers gaining confidence simply because they now know where to start.

The biggest benefit has been cultural: more open conversations, more compassion, and an organisation that’s becoming more comfortable discussing topics that really matter.” 

Efforts to support colleagues working through menopause also helped us win in the Female Health Advocacy Excellence category at the 2026 British Workplace Wellbeing Awards.

The award also acknowledges our work to create safe spaces for open conversations, improve women’s health education – including fertility support – and develop a wellbeing programme shaped by collaboration and colleague feedback.

Sandrine Rivoal-Pluviaux, Senior People Wellbeing Advisor at L&Q said:

“Winning the Excellence in Female Health Advocacy Award is a powerful reflection of the inclusive, people-centred culture we’re building at L&Q.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work, from our networks and champions to colleagues who’ve shared their stories with courage and compassion.

This recognition is a celebration of everyone involved in growing our wellbeing culture.”

Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace said:

“L&Q has taken a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to supporting colleagues through menopause, creating a culture where people feel understood, supported and able to thrive at work.

Its focus on practical support, open conversations and accessible resources is making a meaningful difference across the whole organisation.”

*The Stella GP consultation is a one-off appointment that is supported by access to digital resources for a year, including an online clinic.