Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: Weightmans LLP, No. 1, Spinningfields, Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB
Cost: Free
Event:
Menopause affects people in every type of workplace. Nine in ten say symptoms affect their work and one in ten leave their jobs because of what they are experiencing. Many do not feel supported and many do not recognise their symptoms as menopause at all. The result is silence, fear and a real impact on confidence, attendance and progression.
From April 2027, the Employment Rights Act 2025 will require employers with 250 or more staff to have a Menopause Action Plan. Many organisations still do not know this is coming. Even fewer understand how to make sure support reaches people in real roles and real environments.
The Menopause Charity provides trusted information. We work across communities, workplaces and health settings to improve understanding of menopause and aid the conversation. Our insight shows that people are still scared to speak, psychological symptoms are often misunderstood and those with the least power in a workplace are the least likely to ask for help. These issues are seen across all sectors and all job types.
During the session we explore:
The reality for employees today, including fear of judgement, lack of awareness, barriers for non-desk workers and the needs of those facing greater health inequalities.
What the 2027 Menopause Action Plan requires and how the principles can support organisations of every size.
What good support looks like, including confident managers, inclusive information and a culture where people feel safe to speak early and seek help.
By the end of the session you will understand the challenges people are facing, the gaps that still exist and the practical steps organisations of any size can take now to improve support and strengthen workplace culture.
STRIDE Facilitator & Leadership Coach
Claire-Marie is a Chartered Engineer holding an MBA from Manchester Business School. Claire-Marie is a guest lecturer in Change Management and Entrepreneurship at Manchester Business School. She is the alumni lead for MBS Women Leading in Business group and regularly hosts the Institute of Directors Women’s Forum in the North West. Claire-Marie is a committee member of the IoD Manchester and has recently commenced working with EEF The Manufacturing Organisation to raise the profile of Women in Engineering. Claire-Marie is an expert in Change Management for many years and delivers the Day 3 workshop of the STRIDE programme – Oakridge’s 6 month leadership programme for female middle management development. Her workshop focuses on the managing business aspect. This is the final element of the programme and supports women attending to learn more about how they can impact their organisation, bring others with them and to become a role model for others. Claire-Marie is a member of the Manchester City Council International Women’s Day Steering Group. To any challenge Claire-Marie brings energy, focus and action. Her core skills include “breaking eggs”, “building gladiators” and “making connections”. Claire-Marie believes organisations and teams succeed by working with the imagination and talents of their people.