Channel 4 is partnering with Hertility to start a trial offering reproductive health and hormone testing to its employees, in what is believed to be a first for any of the major UK broadcasters.
Channel 4 will partner with the women’s health company to give employees access to an NHS approved health assessment and blood test which can screen for reproductive health issues. The ‘at home’ blood test can highlight why someone may be struggling to conceive or where a hormonal imbalance may be causing a wellbeing issue. It will clarify what healthcare steps should be taken next, and will guide people to specialist care.
Employees will also be offered a series of educational workshops which will focus on different reproductive health issues and hormonal wellbeing.
Alex Mahon, Channel 4 chief executive officer, said: “We are incredibly proud of this innovative new partnership with Hertility, made possible by the fantastic work of our 4Womxn staff network. Since 2019, Channel 4 has launched Menopause, Pregnancy Loss and Parents and Carers Policies and this latest initiative aligns with our commitment to support women’s health and the wellbeing of all our people.”
Deirdre O’Neill, Hertility co-founder said: “This partnership is not just a landmark for Hertility and Channel 4, but for all women worldwide. Until now, workplace benefits may be fertility or menopause friendly, but being a Reproductively Responsible [TM] employer, means fully supporting employees across every life stage, from menstruation through to menopause. We’re so proud to be pioneering real change and to be partnering with such a forward-thinking company like Channel 4, that is not just talking about equality in the workplace but actually taking action to make it a reality.“
In addition to helping women who plan to have children, Hertility can also screen for 18 health conditions such as polycystic ovaries or endometriosis as well as assessing the onset of menopause.
Starting this week for a trial of six months, Channel 4 employees will be able to order a Hertility Hormone and Fertility test, worth £149, personalised to their symptoms and goals.
In 2019, Channel 4 introduced the UK’s first dedicated Menopause Policy, followed in 2020 by the Parents & Carers Policy. In 2021 it established what is believed to be the world’s first Pregnancy Loss Policy. Earlier this month, Channel 4 signed the Fertility Workplace Pledge, offering easily accessible and supportive information for employees undergoing fertility treatment, workplace training to ensure managers understand the realities of undergoing treatment and flexible working so people can attend appointments.
Pippa Considine
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