An inclusive

employer

Celebrating and supporting difference

An inclusive

employer

Celebrating and supporting difference

What inclusion means to us

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.

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Our Employee Network Groups

Included
Inspire
Cultural Diversity
Parents and Carers
Drive Proud
Enable
Driven Women
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Included

We value diverse perspectives. Our employee-led network groups are the foundation of our Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity strategy.

  • Inspire - supporting the next generation of automotive talent.
  • Cultural Diversity - supporting the wide range of ethnic groups within the organisation.
  • Parents and Carers - supporting those looking after others.
  • Drive Proud - supporting the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
  • Enable - supporting disability and neurodiversity.
  • Driven Women - supporting gender balance.

Forum for all

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.

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Our colleagues' experiences

Tracey's story
Alistair's story
Kirsten's story
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Tracey's story

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.

Community Engagement Forum

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.

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Our awards, accreditation and recognition

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2024

First automotive company to receive the Inclusive Employers Standard Gold award, recognising its commitment to diversity, equality and inclusivity

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2024

Nine women were recognised in the Autocar Great Women awards, including two category wins in Operations and PR & Communications

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2024

A member of the Business Disability Forum. A network offering advice and guidance to support our disabled staff and customers

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2024

Signed the Pregnancy Loss Pledge demonstrating our commitment to supporting our staff through the distress of miscarriage

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2024

Signed up to the UK Government's Disability Confident Scheme. Current status level 2 (Employer)

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2023

Signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge demonstrating our commitment to supporting colleagues experiencing the menopause

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2023

Inaugural winner of the Institute of the Motor Industry Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award - Championing Diversity in Automotive

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2023

Our Inspire Employee Network Group was recognised in the Worktree Corporate Volunteering Awards

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2022

A Gold Member and Patron (Alex Smith, MD) of the UK’s Automotive 30% Club. A network of leaders committed to building diverse, gender-balanced businesses