The Intellectual Property Office and the National Assembly for Wales have joined a diverse range of organisations as launch partner for new programme to create better allies for trans people by Stonewall.

As part of 13 prominent launch partners from across sectors, the Newport-based IPO and the National Assembly for Wales will be leading the way in delivering this innovative one-day programme in-house.

In pledging their support, the two organisations are demonstrating their commitment to bringing positive change in workplaces and communities for all trans and non-binary people.

The trans allies programme will help non-trans people understand how they can tackle anti-trans discrimination and ‘come out’ in support of trans people everywhere as allies.

They will receive a deeper understanding of the impact of transphobia, along with the tools and language to better include trans people at work and in their everyday lives. The final programme will be is open to any individual from any industry in any role who is committed to trans equality.

The IPO and the National Assembly for Wales pledge to improve trans inclusion comes at a time when trans and non-binary people face alarming levels of discrimination at work and in society.

Earlier this year Stonewall released research that showed half of trans people (51 per cent) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse. Moreover, one in eight trans employees (12 per cent) have been physically attacked by colleagues or customers in the past year.

Dominic Houlihan, director of people, places and services at the IPO, said: "The IPO is delighted to work in partnership with the National Assembly for Wales in supporting Stonewall with launching their Trans Allies programme.

"As an inclusive employer, we have seen the real benefits of working in partnership with Stonewall over the last few years and the value of their allies training. We want to be a great place to work where LGBT people feel confident in bringing their whole self to work.

"This Trans allies programme is another important development in helping organisations understand how they can help support trans people in the workplace and beyond."

Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall’s director of empowerment programmes, said: "We’re proud to have the support of the IPO and the National Assembly for Wales to help launch our trans allies programme. Their commitment to moving forward in their journey to get trans inclusion right is a sign that a positive future is possible."