Press Release

Ciphr becomes an Endometriosis Friendly Employer

Ciphr has appointed Lauren Scott-Jackson and Meg Shona Halpin-Webster (pictured right) as its Endometriosis Champions

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Lauren Scott-Jackson and Meg Shona Halpin-Webster - Ciphr's Endometriosis Champions

HR, payroll and benefits software provider Ciphr has joined the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme, pledging its commitment to support staff affected by endometriosis and raise awareness of this common women’s health condition.

The painful and debilitating symptoms of endometriosis impacts the lives of around one in 10 women, and those assigned female at birth, in the UK. Despite being so common, it is often ignored and takes people an average of eight years and 10 months to get diagnosed due to a lack of understanding of the disease.

Karen Lough, director of people at Ciphr, says: “We’re delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme and demonstrate our commitment to supporting our colleagues that are living with endometriosis, as well as breaking down taboos about menstrual health. 

“At Ciphr, we’re proud to foster a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. One where discussing endometriosis, and other women’s health issues, is normalised and encouraged. This includes training managers and ensuring that employees who experience the mental and physical impacts of endometriosis, and other menstrual health conditions, know what extra support is available to them via company policies, health insurance plans and employee assistance programmes.

“We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that we’ll inspire others working in the HR and people profession to join the scheme as well.”

Claire Williams, chief operating and people officer at Ciphr, says: “Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace is about fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, and this is another important step towards ensuring that all our employees feel heard, valued, and supported in managing their health at work.

“We recognise that conditions like endometriosis can have a significant impact on day-to-day life. We’re committed to equipping our managers and teams with the knowledge and resources they need to offer meaningful support.”

As part of the scheme, which is run by the charity Endometriosis UK, Ciphr has appointed Lauren Scott-Jackson and Meg Shona Halpin-Webster (pictured above) as its Endometriosis Champions. They will receive training from Endometriosis UK to enable them to provide support and guidance to Ciphr’s 230-strong workforce. Lauren and Meg also run Ciphers – an employee support network for the women at Ciphr that meets monthly. 

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ciphr to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.

“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”

Endometriosis UK is the leading charity championing the rights and needs of the more than 1.5 million women in the UK with endometriosis.

As well as providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets a prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual-related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle. This can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue, as well as fertility issues. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the lining of the pelvis and may occur in the ovaries and involve other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. Less commonly, endometriosis can also be found outside the pelvis. 

Find more information on the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme at https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-friendly-employer-scheme. 

During Endometriosis Action Month (1-31 March 2025), Endometriosis UK is raising public awareness and understanding about what endometriosis is, the symptoms, and the life-changing impact of the disease. For more information, please visit https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-action-month-2025-endometriosisexplained. 

 

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Media enquiries:
Emma-Louise Jones, digital PR manager at Ciphr
e: ejones@ciphr.com

Chris Boddice, chief marketing officer at Ciphr
e: cboddice@ciphr.com
Website: www.ciphr.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ciphr

 

Notes:

Photos to accompany this announcement are available at:

 

Ciphr is the go-to HR, payroll and benefits software and solutions partner for medium and large organisations in the UK. The impact and value of payroll professionals has never been more important. And Ciphr is on a mission to strengthen the strategic value of payroll teams to make sure those voices are amplified and heard. With market-leading tools and support, Ciphr provides the means to automate and streamline processes so payroll professionals can focus on doing what they do best. 

The Ciphr Group is a privately held company backed by ECI Partners and headquartered in Reading. Over 230 employees work across the group, which includes Ciphr and Avantus. 

Ciphr spokespeople are available to provide expert media comment on a broad range of topics, including HR strategy, people management, employee experience and wellbeing, payroll, benefits and rewards, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), learning and development, the future of work, tech trends, business and leadership, marketing, and more.