Six staff from Stoke on Trent College have signed up to become Menopause Champions; giving others staff support when dealing with menopause.
Menopause Champions will provide an approachable and friendly face across both campuses, answering questions about menopause plus signposting for further support and advice.
Each of the volunteers have enrolled in a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause in the Workplace; and will liaise with college senior management to ensure appropriate support is in place for people with menopause.
The College also plans to offer the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause as a distance learning course for businesses in Stoke-on-Trent in the near future.
One of the Menopause Champions, who has signed up is Claire Gordon, Head of Inclusion at the College, who said:
“I’ve recently completed the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Menopause in the Workplace, which has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges menopause can present for women at work.
“With this knowledge, I am delighted to be taking on the role of Menopause Champion — aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help ensure that colleagues feel supported and understood during this important stage of life.
“It’s an exciting and important step towards creating an inclusive and empathetic workplace, and I’m glad to be part of this.”
Nova Abela, Chief People Officer at Stoke on Trent College said:
“At our college, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all staff is a top priority. Appointing menopause champions is a meaningful step in ensuring that colleagues experiencing menopause feel understood, respected, and supported.
“By raising awareness and promoting open dialogue, we’re not only challenging stigma but also reinforcing our commitment to staff wellbeing and equity. This initiative is part of our broader vision to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, at every stage of their career.”
Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:
“We’re delighted to have six staff signed up as Menopause Champions. Once they have attained their qualification, they will be fully equipped to provide vital support for our teaching and business support staff.
“The response, has been so positive; we already have another five staff signed up to take the course during the 2025/26 academic year.”
Find out more about courses at Stoke on Trent College here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/courses
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Picture caption – (Left to right) Stoke on Trent College Menopause Champions Claire Gordon, Gill Walker, Sally Lunn and Kelly Clarke
- Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
- The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
- A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.
For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk
