IPO Awarded as FairPlay Employer

7th April 2020
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the organisation responsible for UK intellectual property policy and granting patents, trade marks and design rights, has become the latest organisation to be recognised as part of Chwarae Teg’s FairPlay Employer service.

Attaining the Silver award, the IPO has demonstrated a commitment to gender equality and diversity, alongside a clear dedication to staff engagement – striving to ensure equality of outcome and opportunities for all. This is the second time the IPO has successfully achieved Silver status through FairPlay Employer, which is a real accomplishment to retain.

Headquartered in Newport and with a site in London, around 45% of the IPO’s 1,300 staff are women. The organisation engaged with Chwarae Teg as part of its strategy to identify barriers in recruiting, retaining and progressing women within its workforce. It aims to improve the representation of women, particularly in its STEM roles (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and at senior level.

We are honoured to have been benchmarked silver in the highly regarded Chwarae Teg ‘Fair Play Employer’ programme.

“We’re proud of our commitment to initiatives that include flexible working, support for working families and the development of opportunities for women in STEM roles. These all contribute to ensuring fair play for women in the IPO workplace.
Dominic Houlihan
Director of People, Places and Services, IPO

The FairPlay Employer service, run by Chwarae Teg - Wales’ leading gender equality charity, partners with businesses on areas such as recruitment, modern working practices, staff engagement and inclusion. It also provides its clients with a bespoke action plan, recognition as a FairPlay EmployerTM and access to a range of resources and events.

Chwarae Teg would like to congratulate the IPO on its well-deserved award. The FairPlay Employer service aims to help organisations improve equality and diversity, tackle the gender pay gap and reap the rewards of a balanced workforce.

“Forward thinking employers like the IPO want to ensure their organisations provide the right environment for everyone to thrive. Our FairPlay Employer service can make it happen by giving organisations and businesses a clear path to success."
Alison Dacey
FairPlay Employer Partner, Chwarae Teg
If you would like to find out more about Chwarae Teg’s FairPlay Employer programme contact [email protected] or go to chwaraeteg.com/projects/fairplay