Transforming Schools From The Staffroom: How HR Director Sian Carter Champions Menopause Wellbeing

In this episode, I chat with Sian Carter, HR Director for a multi-academy trust in the West Midlands and a certified menopause coach, about the very real ways she’s woven menopause support into school life. Sian’s own early-onset menopause journey sparked her passion: she knew firsthand how crippling brain fog, night sweats and heavy bleeding could be when you’re standing in front of a classroom full of students. We talk through:The power of top-down buy-in: How her CEO and COO model open conversations, encouraging staff at every level to speak up without fear.Small changes, big impact: Why installing discreet fans, ensuring ready access to toilets, or strategically pairing staff for backup can transform someone’s day.Beyond teaching staff: Why every adult working in a school - administrators, support teams, site staff - deserves practical guidance, compassionate line-management training, and a clear menu of “reasonable adjustments.”Building champions: How Sian is training volunteer “Menopause Ambassadors” in each school so that no one faces this alone.This is more than just policy or PowerPoints.It’s about human connection.[00:02:34] Menopause in the workplace.[00:04:07] Menopause challenges for teachers.[00:08:20] Normalizing menopause conversations at work.[00:11:02] Workload challenges in teaching.[00:15:28] Menopause support conversations.[00:18:14] Transformational coaching experiences.[00:20:10] Enhancing listening skills.[00:25:10] Importance of menopause awareness.[00:29:13] Menopause awareness in younger women.[00:30:23] Menopause opportunities and inspiration.If you lead or work in education (or any people-centered field), you’ll come away inspired to create that same safe, savvy support for the women and everyone around you. Press play, and let’s reimagine our workplaces as places of genuine understanding, one conversation at a time. Head over to womenofacertainstage.com for more information on becoming a menopause savvy & supportive organisation. Book a call to connect and explore opportunities here: https://bookme.name/womenofacertainstage/pod