Policies and resources
Channel 4 is dedicated to supporting employees through its innovative workplace policies, and encourages other employers to follow. In 2019, it introduced the UK’s first dedicated Menopause Policy. In 2021 Channel 4 established what is believed to be the world’s first Pregnancy Loss Policy, followed by its first ever dedicated Period Policy in March 2023. And in October 2024, Channel 4 updated its Domestic Abuse Policy, and launched a new Fertility Policy.
This suite of wellbeing resources has been made available below for organisations to download and use.
If you’d like to receive further policy updates directly or find out more about how we launched them, please email 4WomensNetwork@Channel4.co.uk.
"Channel 4 has developed an innovative suite of ‘firsts’ in wellbeing support to empower our staff to be their best at work.
"From measuring and publishing our ethnicity pay gap since 2018, to launching the UK’s first Menopause Policy in 2019, and launching our ‘Equity by Design’ strategy earlier this year, Channel 4 is committed to removing stigma by addressing and normalising taboo topics.
"By sharing these policies, we hope to inspire other organisations to adopt similar initiatives, contributing to greater equity in the workplace."
Our policies and resources
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Download Channel 4’s Domestic Abuse Policy here
Channel 4’s Domestic Abuse Policy is designed to support all those who endure and/or witness domestic abuse. It was updated in October 2024, and sets out internal and external support available to employees experiencing, or involved in, domestic abuse.
"Survivors experiencing domestic abuse can often feel isolated and alone, making it difficult for them to seek support. Policies in the workplace, like that being launched by Channel 4, are invaluable for creating a safe and supportive place for survivors as they flee abuse and rebuild their lives in safety.”
Nikki Bradley MBE, Director of Services at Women’s Aid
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Download Channel 4’s Fertility Policy here
Channel 4 launched a Fertility Policy in October 2024. It is designed to provide guidance and support for people seeking to manage their fertility journey while balancing their work commitments.
The policy aims to ensure that all employees and managers have access to equitable and inclusive resources related to fertility and an overview of how Channel 4 will support individuals through their journey. It is important to recognise the physical and emotional stress that having fertility treatment can have on employees and we are genuinely committed to providing support where we can.
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Download Channel 4’s Menopause Policy here
Channel 4 launched the UK media industry’s first dedicated menopause policy on World Menopause Day in 2019, aiming to support our employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and to provide guidance for line managers. It was updated to reflect remote working conditions on World Menopause Day in 2020.
The policy has already made an important impact, with a recent 4Womxn survey suggesting that 78% of Channel 4 staff feel better about Channel 4 as a place to work since the policy launched, while 10% of female employees have used or plan to use the policy to support their menopausal symptoms.
We also aimed to inspire our industry and beyond to talk about supporting people through menopause and introduce similar policies. The response so far has been encouraging, with thousands of requests for a copy of our policy coming from sectors including media, finance, consulting, and recruitment.
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Download Channel 4’s Period Policy here
Channel 4 launched its first-ever dedicated period policy in March 2023. It is designed to enable employees who are experiencing difficulties with their periods, including health conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to get the support they need in order to manage their symptoms at work.
As part of the dedicated period policy, employees are offered access to flexible working arrangements, a working environment assessment, free period products in all offices, microwaveable wheat bags to ease painful symptoms, a quiet room to take time out if needed, medical support (including free hormone and fertility tests provided by women’s health company, Hertility) and a range of accessible support and advice.
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Download Channel 4’s Pregnancy Loss Policy here
Channel 4 launched its dedicated pregnancy loss policy in April 2021, designed to support employees through pregnancy loss – which includes, but is not limited to, miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion.
The policy – believed to be the world’s first – supports everyone, regardless of gender, who has been affected: whether it happens directly to them, their partner or their baby’s surrogate; regardless of the nature of their loss; and whatever their length of service. It also recognises pregnancy loss as an experience not isolated to women or heterosexual couples.
Channel 4 consulted several leading charities on the policy which includes: two weeks leave on full-pay; paid leave for medical appointments; flexible working; an array of resources including medical support, counselling, and a buddying scheme to support employees returning to work after a loss.