A leading animal charity has become the first in the sector to achieve a sought-after accreditation recognising its commitment to creating a menopause-inclusive workplace.
Battersea has been officially accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer – the first animal welfare charity to receive the recognition. The accreditation reflects several years of work by Battersea to embed menopause support into everyday life at the charity.
Battersea has now joined an elite group of menopause friendly accredited employers, including FTSE100 companies, high street retailers, global banking groups and football clubs.
To achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, Battersea was assessed by an independent panel and had to demonstrate evidence of its effectiveness in five key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
The steps introduced by Battersea to embed a menopause-inclusive culture included establishing a Menopause Support Network for staff and volunteers and 10 trained Menopause Champions, regular manager drop-in sessions and positive conversations with staff experiencing menopause and perimenopause
Lisa Nugent, Co-Chair of Battersea’s Menopause Support Network, said: “This accreditation is recognition of the efforts of so many people over the last three years to embed a menopause-friendly culture at Battersea and ensure that all staff can access support and advice if needed.
“It really has been a collaborative effort and to say that Battersea is the first animal welfare charity to have achieved accreditation is something that we are proud of.”
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation was established in 2021 by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace to certify high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.
Deborah Garlick, Founder and CEO of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on achieving Menopause Friendly Accreditation. The Independent Panel was hugely impressed by how genuinely embedded this work is across the organisation – from visible senior leadership and an active Menopause Support + Allies Network to practical changes shaped directly by colleagues, including the Blue Cardigan Scheme and menopause considerations in their uniform review.
“With 96% of survey respondents agreeing that menopause is now spoken about more openly at Battersea, this is a brilliant example of listening to your people and turning that into meaningful, lasting change.”
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Notes to editors
- At Battersea, we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Brands Hatch, Kent and in Old Windsor, Berkshire.
- To find out more, visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea