The guide contains information and advice on how best to support people, wherever they may be on the spectrum of gender identity and those going through gender transition.

Maggie Stilwell, managing partner for Talent at EY, UK & Ireland said: ‘We want our people to feel they can be themselves at work. When a person works in an inclusive workplace they have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

‘The guide helps to empower our people to express their individual gender identities with confidence and is another milestone on our mission to be the most inclusive organisation to work for.’

The guide was developed in consultation with Unity, which is EY’s employee network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and their allies, along with external organisations including Stonewall, trans*formation, GLEN and TENI.

It aims to educate, raise awareness and provide advice on how to help support those who are going through gender transition.

Stilwell said: ’This is a very personal journey for some of our people that will differ from person to person. The guide is intended to be applied flexibly. We have received positive feedback internally and externally that this sets a new benchmark in employer best practice.’

Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see EY continue to place trans inclusion at the forefront of its efforts around diversity and inclusion. We look forward to seeing the huge and positive impact that this work, from a large multi-national like EY, has on trans people’s experiences at work around the world.’