Vodafone has announced it has gained accreditation as a Fertility Friendly workplace.
The accreditation was awarded by Fertility Matters at Work (FMAW), a community interest company that also works with brands including Lloyds Banking Group and Selfridges & Co. FMAW collaborates with organisations to enhance fertility awareness and support through educational tools, eLearning modules, webinars, and workshops.
Vodafone is the first employer in the telecoms industry to gain this accreditation. The company said it underscores its commitment to support employees through every stage of their lives, including those navigating a fertility journey.
Earlier this year, Vodafone launched Fertility Friends – an internal, online community to raise awareness, share experiences, and give support to colleagues at any stage in their fertility journey.
To provide further support for colleagues and managers, Vodafone also introduced the Fertility Support Hub - a dedicated platform that brings together essential information and resources for employees navigating fertility in one centralised place.
The hub also includes access to Fertility Buddies – a volunteer network of employees with lived experience who offer confidential peer support – as well as company policies and guidance to support colleagues.
For line managers, tailored guidance and eLearning modules can be found on the Fertility Support Hub, equipping them with the tools and confidence to support their teams.
Becky Kearns, CEO, Fertility Matters at Work, said, “We’re absolutely delighted to share Vodafone’s accreditation as the first telecoms company to become a Fertility Friendly Employer.
“The dedication from the team was clear throughout, with so much hard work put into developing both employee and manager support pathways. Inclusivity and awareness has been a core part of their work, with an incredible internal support platform created, utilising resources from our partnership together.
“We’re excited to see what happens next as we continue the relationship and see Vodafone lead the way in creating a safe and supportive space for all.”
Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, Vodafone, added, “We are incredibly proud to be the first employer in telecoms to receive Fertility Friendly accreditation from Fertility Matters at Work.
“We believe that supporting our people through life’s most personal and complex journeys is not just the right thing to do – it’s essential to building a truly inclusive and compassionate workplace.
“This recognition reflects the steps we’ve taken to listen, learn and act – and we’re especially grateful to FMAW for their expert guidance in helping us create a workplace where fertility is openly supported.”