Supporting transgender and non-binary people at work: Guide for people professionals

This guide will support people professionals in delivering transgender and non-binary equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace by offering a set of principles and practical approaches that can be applied alongside professional judgement. It should be used alongside the CIPD’s other EDI resources to support a proactive and informed approach to creating an inclusive workplace culture for everyone.

‘Transgender’ is an overarching umbrella term to refer to people who have changed their gender from the one that was given them when they were born. The term ‘non-binary’ refers to someone whose gender identity does not fit the binary male or female description.  

This guide will help you understand the experiences specific to transgender and non-binary people at work. It covers the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit, and supports the creation of more equal and inclusive workplaces. It also addresses issues around data protection and recognises the rights of others to hold different views and beliefs around gender.

This guide was updated in October 2024, in line with usual CIPD processes, and to reflect the evolving landscape.