West Sussex County Council launches menopause policy for schools
West Sussex County Council has issued a new model menopause policy for schools and council employees, following sustained campaigning by West Sussex teachers.
The West Sussex Branch of the National Education Union (NEU) has long been raising the issue, as NEU caseworkers and workplace representatives reported that women in their 40s and 50s were being disproportionately drawn into disciplinary and capability procedures, with menopausal symptoms not taken into account. In a number of cases, experienced female teachers faced formal action where support and reasonable adjustments should have been considered under the Equality Act 2010.
The new county policy recognises menopause as a workplace issue and sets out expectations for supportive conversations, risk assessments and practical adjustments. West Sussex NEU welcomes the step, while continuing to recommend that schools adopt the union’s more comprehensive model policy.
Ruth Wilson, Joint Women’s Officer for West Sussex NEU, said: “From the start, our model policy has made clear that menopause is not simply a wellbeing matter. It sits within a legal framework. The Equality Act 2010 and health and safety law place duties on employers. This new policy spells out what they are, so staff and leaders alike understand their rights and responsibilities. When that clarity is missing, women can be left feeling isolated or unfairly judged at work.”
Jacqueline Baker, Joint Women’s Officer for West Sussex NEU, said: “Women with years of experience were being pushed into capability or disciplinary processes at the very point they needed understanding and practical support. That is not only distressing for staff, it can expose schools to legal risk. Headteachers and governing bodies carry ultimate responsibility for equalities compliance. Clear policies protect staff and leaders alike.”
West Sussex NEU previously awarded Menopause Friendly School certificates to schools that adopted the union’s model policy. The union hopes the county’s move will encourage every school to review its approach and ensure that older female staff are treated with dignity, fairness and in line with the law.