RRG Group earns Menopause Friendly Accreditation for inclusive workplace culture 

The RRG Group has become one of the first major UK motor trade employers to achieve the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, recognising its proactive work to support colleagues through menopause and foster an inclusive, understanding workplace culture. 

One of the largest and most established car dealer groups in the North of England, RRG operates 22 dealerships across the North-West and West Yorkshire.  

The accreditation, established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, is the only industry-recognised standard that independently verifies meaningful, measurable action on menopause. Organisations must demonstrate progress across five key areas – including culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment – to gain certification. 

According to RRG, the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to employee wellbeing, inclusion and retention. The group says that embracing menopause awareness helps reduce absenteeism, increase engagement and ensure all colleagues feel valued at every life stage. 

Sarah Cooney, head of people and development at RRG Group, said the recognition reflects the organisation’s culture of openness and care: 

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where every colleague feels valued and empowered at every stage of life. We believe that open conversations and meaningful support around menopause are essential to employee wellbeing and we will continue to build on this foundation to ensure lasting change.” 

Three standout actions helped the group reach accreditation: 

• Menopause Lunches, held three times a year, covering topics such as osteoporosis, collagen health, and managing stress and anxiety. 
• A bespoke ‘Men O Pause’ workshop for male general managers, designed to improve understanding of menopause, perimenopause, post-menopause and andropause, ensuring leadership-level engagement. 
• A menopause policy tailored to the group’s workforce and operations, supported by a dedicated Menopause Action Planning Group. 

Arran Bangham, vice-chairman of the RRG Group, said the achievement underscores the company’s belief that inclusion must be practical as well as principled: 

“At a leadership level, we recognise the importance of fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels seen, supported and understood. This accreditation reflects our commitment to breaking down stigmas, encouraging open dialogue and ensuring our policies and practices genuinely support colleagues through every life stage.” 

He added that being menopause friendly “is not just the right thing to do — it’s essential to building a truly inclusive organisation.” 

Deborah Garlick, CEO of Menopause Friendly by Henpicked, said RRG’s submission impressed the independent judging panel, particularly for how it tackled gender imbalance in the automotive industry: 

“RRG Group’s recognition of the need to educate and train its largely male workforce and management team to feel comfortable talking about menopause was particularly impressive. Tackling this head-on has paid off handsomely, with everyone aligned to ensure best practice is followed to reinforce its reputation as an inclusive and responsible employer in the motor trade.” 

The accreditation places RRG among a growing number of UK employers treating menopause as a core workplace health and inclusion issue rather than a personal one. With more than half the workforce likely to experience menopause during their career, advocates argue that training, supportive policies and open dialogue are vital to reducing stigma and improving retention across all sectors.