All officers should take part in the latest national menopause survey to help improve understanding and support, according to the chair of South Wales Police Federation.

Steve Treharne was responding to the launch of the ‘EveryonePause’ survey today (Wednesday 18 October) to coincide with World Menopause Day.

“I would encourage all officers to take the time to fill out this survey,” says Steve, “I think most people will be affected by the menopause in some shape or form during their lives. While the menopause generally affects women in their mid to late 40s through to their 50s, other people will be impacted too perhaps through living or working with someone experiencing symptoms.

“As with any survey, the more people who respond, the more powerful the findings. The Federation will analyse the results and use them to help develop force policies and improve awareness, understanding and support.”

The Federation is hoping to build on the success of its first menopause survey, which was undertaken in 2018 and helped develop the National Menopause Guidance which is in place across all forces.

World Menopause Day

National Federation women’s lead Hayley Aley, who is taking the lead with the survey, explained: “Across the Federation, 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.”

She added: “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.”

The survey, which goes live today and is open for six weeks, is a joint project being conducted by researchers at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), and on behalf of PFEW, UNISON, the Police Superintendents’ Association, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Take part in the survey.

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