A housing association in Dorset has been recognised as a menopause-friendly employer at a national awards ceremony.

Aster Group scooped the award got Best Support Group at the industry-recognised Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2022.

The inaugural awards comprised 10 categories showcasing the commitment and determination of employers and individuals to open conversations, provide support and normalise menopause in the workplace.

READ MORE: Dorset County Hospital staff recognised at awards night

The Best Support Group Award was given to the organisation that has created the best community group, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment in which conversations around menopause in the workplace can occur.

The judges on the Menopause Friendly Independent Panel were in agreement in finding Aster's regular people-centred sessions were "particularly worthy of praise".

'Sofa sessions’ were noted as being ‘incredibly popular’ with members of staff - not only were there successful face-to-face sessions, but virtual meetings were hosted with special guests on specific subjects.

Rachel Credidio, chief transformation officer at Aster Group, said: “Our teams have worked extremely hard to create a culture where our colleagues feel able to share their personal experiences - directly or indirectly - of the menopause. We’re absolutely thrilled this has been recognised by the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards and we’ll continue to ensure our menopause offer remains a priority in our organisation.”

Chris Pitt, CEO of First Direct who supported the awards, said: “Aster Group should feel immensely proud of what it has achieved in winning this hotly contested award."

“As with nearly all large organisations, it is not easy to facilitate change in the way people respond and approach things. Aster began this process of creating such an open environment, in which people feel comfortable to talk and share their experiences, with 10 people offering practical support; it now stands at over 1,000 people.

READ MORE: Bridport Business Awards to be launched

"The whole group has embraced this philosophy; a belief which started within the workforce has inspired leaders to become actively involved. Aster richly deserves the plaudits it has received in creating such support within its workplace.”

Shortlisted alongside Aster Group were: Lloyds Banking Group, Alzheimer’s Society, Santander UK, Boots UK & Ireland, Boots Opticians and No7 Beauty Company, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)