John Smedley signs Community’s Women’s Reproductive Health Charter

In a major win for workplace equality, the iconic British knitwear brand John Smedley has officially signed Community’s Women’s Health Charter. This milestone marks a powerful step forward in our SupportingHerTogether campaign, proving that when unions and employers work together, we can create environments where women don’t just work, but thrive.

Jennifer Dean, Head of Equalities at Community said:

At Community, we believe that meaningful progress in women’s health and workplace equality is only possible when unions and employers work together with honesty, respect and shared purpose.

Our SupportingHerTogether campaign is built on the principle that better support for women must be available everywhere, and that change is strongest when it is shaped collaboratively.

By signing Community’s Women’s Health Charter, John Smedley’s have demonstrated not only leadership, but a genuine commitment to fostering an environment where women feel heard, supported and valued.

We are delighted to work together with John Smedley’s to help set a standard for what good employment practice looks like. Where open conversation, compassion and understanding are central, and where women’s health is recognised as an essential part of workplace wellbeing. Their willingness to engage, to reflect, and to continually improve makes them a powerful example of what can be achieved when employers and unions join forces.

Through SupportingHerTogether, we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with John Smedleys and supporting more employers to follow their lead, ensuring that every woman, has access to the support, flexibility and dignity she deserves at work.

Nick Watt, Head of People & Culture at John Smedley said:

At John Smedley, our people are at the heart of everything we do. For over two centuries, our craft has been shaped not only by skill and heritage, but by the care, respect and commitment we show to those who make our products.

Signing Community’s Women’s Health Charter is a natural extension of these values. We recognise that women’s health is an essential part of wellbeing at work, and that experiences such as menopause, fertility, pregnancy and loss deserve understanding, dignity and support.

We are proud to foster a culture where these conversations can take place openly and respectfully, where flexibility and compassion are part of everyday working life, and where colleagues feel trusted to access the support they need without stigma or hesitation.

This commitment is reflected in the policies, practices and ongoing dialogue we continue to develop in partnership with our people—ensuring that support is not only available, but meaningful and consistently applied.

By signing this charter, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is supported to thrive, both personally and professionally, today and for the future.

Signing our Women’s Health Charter isn’t just about a signature on a page; it’s about a shared commitment to breaking the silence around women’s health issues. By adopting the charter, John Smedley is setting a new gold standard for the industry by prioritising dignity, flexibility and compassion in the workplace.