Celebrating and supporting difference
Celebrating and supporting difference
We want everyone at Volkswagen Group UK to feel included. Why? Because unique voices and perspectives are vital for our future. And we know that enabling diverse teams to thrive, be creative, and be heard, leads to better business outcomes. That’s why we run various programmes to promote a diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory culture. And we’re proud of earning Inclusive Employers Standard Gold Accreditation in 2024. But there’s always more to do.
We value diverse perspectives. Our employee-led network groups are the foundation of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity strategy.
The Forum was created to give colleagues a voice and a channel to provide feedback to the business on a wide range of subjects. Impartial and confidential, the forum represents our teams – with the goal of driving change and progress throughout the business.
I work in Retailer Learning Services as a Network People Business Partner. I'm also a carer for my 93 year old mum, a wife and a mum to my own teenage children. Flexible working has been absolutely vital to help me balance my work life with my responsibilities as a Carer. And flexibility and balance are the key elements within the new carers leave policy. Many people might not realise they qualify as carers and many won't appreciate what those responsibilities can be. Up until a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have thought the carers policy would apply to me. I'm very fortunate that my boss and my team are really supportive and I can take the time when needed to deal with whatever situations arise. One in five adults in the UK are unpaid carers, so it affects more people than you'd think and we have great support available here at Volkswagen Group UK and within our teams.
This Forum includes volunteers across the group who co-ordinate the Group's charitable efforts, focusing on environmental protection, education and development in the communities where we operate. We have long-standing links with three charities – Milton Keynes Community Foundation, the automotive charity, BEN, and Willen Hospice. You’ll also get two days volunteering leave every year to support a cause you care about, and we’ll match your charity fundraising donations each year.