Southwark Council has announced that it has made a commitment to supporting employees affected by endometriosis, creating a more supportive work environment.
Becoming the first council in England to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, Southwark Council is committing to improving its workplace support for those who are affected by the chronic disease that impacts the physical and mental health of 1 in every 10 women. As part of the support, the council will work to break down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health, whilst also appointing Endometriosis Champions that will serve as points of support and information for colleagues and management.
Alongside this, HR policies are to be updated to give adequate support for colleagues with gynaecological health conditions.
Julia Parris, an Executive Assistant at Southwark Council, said:
“From my experience with endometriosis, it is a debilitating condition which can affect women in so many different ways; physically, emotionally and mentally. Whilst it is a condition that most women learn to live with and navigate on a day to day basis, it is important to acknowledge that it can have a profoundly detrimental effect on the world of work and study.
“Working for an organisation that has committed to recognising and supporting staff with endometriosis, having open discussions with employees to raise awareness of the condition, and how we can be supported in the workplace, is so important to me. This makes me very proud to work for Southwark Council.”
Despite how common the disease is, it can take
almost nine years on average to get diagnosed in the UK due to a number of reasons that include limited research and understanding.
Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, Cllr Stephanie Cryan, also commented:
“We want every single employee at the council to have the support in place that enables them to thrive. That’s why we are proud to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme as the first council in England to do so. We are committed to supporting those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as breaking down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that other local councils will join the scheme as well.”
This commitment comes as part of the council’s wider drive to be a ‘people powered organisation’ that can drive inclusion through everything it does.
The only UK local authorities that committed to the scheme ahead of Southwark were Scotland’s East Ayrshire Council and Powys County Council in Wales.
Image credit: iStock
