Written question WQ88417

As indicated in the previous written question (WQ88015), the Senedd Commission has menopause guidance in place which sets out how to support women who are going through this transition, whilst in the workplace. The guidance covers different experiences of the menopause, including disabled people, people from an ethnic minority background, the impact on men/partners of those going through the menopause, and trans people.

Following the introduction of the British Standard Institute's new guidance on menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace, the Commission’s HR Service will review the Commission’s existing menopause guidance against the British Standard Institute’s new guidelines. This will be done in collaboration with TUS colleagues and our workplace equality networks, including Inspire, the Commission’s Workplace Equality Network for women.

Commission Workplace Equality Networks are available to Members of the Senedd, Members Support Staff, Commission staff and employees of our on-site contractors.

Guidance is available for Members and their staff on the Members’ Intranet and ‘Menopause at Work’ awareness sessions can be arranged by the Member Learning and Engagement team. This is in addition to our ‘wellbeing at work’ package which contains sessions that would be supportive to those experiencing menopause.

Existing learning and development provision related to the menopause, designed for Members of the Senedd, their staff and Commission staff, will also be adjusted to align with the British Standard Institute’s new guidance and encompass menstruation and menstrual health considerations in the workplace.