Inclusivity and the Menopause

Andrea Brewster OBE, IP Inclusive

Andrea is a Chartered Patent Attorney and a former CIPA President. In the past she has served on the Institute’s governing Council and several of its committees.

Before her retirement she was a partner in a small regional IP practice, Greaves Brewster LLP, of which she had been a co-founder.

Andrea established IP Inclusive in 2015 to promote equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing throughout the UK’s IP professions. Alongside many enthusiastic volunteers, she has developed the initiative into a well-connected and influential player in the IP sector. She became its first Lead Executive Officer in 2019.

Karen Genuardi, AA Thornton

Karen is the Head of People at AA Thornton.  She has taken an active role in influencing and shaping the diversity and inclusion agenda at the firm since joining in 2013 and is also a member of the IP Ability Committee.

Karen’s HR career spans over 25 years across a range of sectors and roles, and she has supported many employees through a range of physical and mental health conditions and is keen to raise awareness about the impact of and the stigma often associated with menopause in the workplace.

Hannah Barton, Marks & Clark

Hannah is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, and an HR Manager at Marks & Clerk.  She works closely with leadership to deliver on people priorities and business objectives, and is a trusted advisor to eight Office Managing Partners and Office Managers.  She has also provided training to group leaders on improving support for people who are going through the menopause.

Mandy Laurie, Burness Paull

Mandy is a Partner and Head of Employment Division at Burness Paull.  She is also the Deputy Keeper of the Writers to the Signet.  Her 2019 blog post on “The Menopause: The new protected characteristic?” caught IP Inclusive’s attention and we are delighted she agreed to join our IP panel.