Principality Building Society has welcomed Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, to its head office and Queen Street branch in Cardiff as part of an engagement with Principality colleagues on initiatives supporting workplace wellbeing.
During the visit, the First Minister met with Principality colleagues including Chief Executive Iain Mansfield, Gemma Bowen – Chief People Officer, Marie Haggett – ER Projects & Policy Manager, and Elena Hopkins – Menopause Matters Lead. Discussions focused on the Society’s initiatives supporting colleagues through menopause.
The First Minister explored Principality’s comprehensive menopause support. The organisation has a formal Menopause Policy providing flexible working hours, temperature control, uniform adaptations, rest breaks, and workload adjustments to foster a supportive workplace.
Managers are guided on sensitive conversations and fair implementation of adjustments, while the internal “Menopause Matters” colleague network encourages peer support and awareness. Trained Menopause Champions also act as approachable contacts for advice and guidance, and the Menopause Assistance Programme offers confidential access to specialist information and expert-led sessions.
The visit also gave the First Minister a chance to visit one of the building society’s local branches. With 54 branches and 15 agencies across Wales, Principality supports thousands of members with savings, mortgages, and other financial services.
Eluned Morgan, First Minister & Welsh Labour Leader, said:
“Supporting women through menopause is fundamentally about equality and fairness. No one should feel their career is limited because of a natural stage of life. That’s why I welcome the leadership shown by organisations like Principality, which has put in place flexible working, a clear menopause policy, and practical support to ensure women can continue to contribute and thrive at every stage of their working lives.
“Taking women’s health seriously more broadly through women’s health hubs, which I’m proud have been delivered by our Welsh Government, is essential to ensure all stages of life are recognised and supported.
“If we are serious about closing the gender gap and building a stronger Wales, we must ensure every workplace understands menopause and responds with practical, compassionate support.”
Gemma Bowen, Chief People Officer at Principality Building Society, said:
“Our approach surrounding menopause means that everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive at work.
“We were delighted to welcome the First Minister to our head office in Cardiff to highlight how our commitment to wellbeing goes hand in hand with our dedication to serving communities across Wales.”
