Be Yourself – whoever you are…
At Virgin Atlantic, our purpose is to empower everyone to take on the world. Our vision is to be the most loved travel company. To achieve both, we focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Where our people, customers, partners and communities are united, and diverse groups are represented. An environment that values and respects each individual’s unique identity and inspires pride in being part of the Virgin Atlantic family.
Are you ready to take on the world? Of course you are.
Be Yourself in action
Our ‘Be Yourself’ manifesto is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve always championed individuality at Virgin Atlantic, because we know difference is a strength. Because being brilliantly different is what we do. It’s who we are. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Scroll below to learn more about our people, policies and programmes.
Our networks
Our four networks are employee led communities, each supported by their own executive ally. Our networks work together to raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure our people can connect, celebrate and support each other to create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
Our networks are open to everyone, whether you want to become an active ally, help plan events, or simply want to learn more and show your support.
PRIDE @ Virgin Atlantic
Our Pride network is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
We champion LGBTQ+ rights for all our people and in the communities we serve. We’re long time sponsors of Manchester Pride and the Attitude Awards. Our 10-year sponsorship of the Awards is another example of our unwavering commitment to the community. Our executive ally for this network is Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer.
DEN @ Virgin Atlantic
Our Disability engagement network (DEN) is there to support our people who have visible and/or non-visible disabilities. We work hard to build a fully inclusive culture, celebrating everybody’s individuality and differences.
We’re an employer that promotes equality of opportunity for all our people. The DEN network regularly consults with the business on our recruitment processes and company policies to ensure they are inclusive for all. Our executive ally for this network is Estelle Hollingsworth, Chief People Officer.
VALUED @ Virgin Atlantic
Our VALUED networks stands for Virgin Atlantic Loves Unity and Ethnic Diversity.
It exists to create an environment that champions and supports all ethnic communities by working together to achieve long-lasting change and build a culture of togetherness and inclusivity. It welcomes everyone as allies, ready to explore and learn together. Our executive ally for this network is Dave Geer, Senior Vice President – Operations.
SCARLET @ Virgin Atlantic
Our Scarlet network is committed to supporting the advancement of women throughout Virgin Atlantic, by providing regular networking and skills development sessions such as Springboard.
Springboard is an award winning personal and professional development programme that we deliver, targeted specifically at females in entry to mid-level positions who want to enhance their skillset in a variety of ways. Our executive ally for this network is Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer.
Our partners and programmes
We’re committed to bringing together a workforce that reflects the society we live in, creating an environment that supports diversity, equity and inclusion, and building a place where everyone is empowered to bring their whole selves to work. That’s why, by 2025, we aim to have 46% of women in senior roles and 15% ethnic diversity throughout our company.
We’re pleased to work with so many external organisations that can help us achieve our ambitions by providing us with advice and support.
Stonewall
We’re working hard to ensure our workplace is supportive and inclusive to all our people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
That’s why annually we complete a Stonewall Workplace Equity Index which allows us to understand the experience of our LGBTQ+ colleagues and build out an plan to ensure LGBTQ+ inclusion is a priority.
We know that inclusion drives better individual and business outcomes. Because when employees feel free to be themselves, everybody benefits.
Race at Work Charter
At Virgin Atlantic, we’re breaking down barriers for ethnic minorities in the workplace. One way in which we’re doing this is through our external commitment to the Race at Work Charter.
Membership, to us, is not just a badge. It’s a public commitment to a better way of doing business, so we’re working with our colleagues, network, and communities to prioritise the action we take on race. We’re making sure we advocate for change across our business, leadership teams and networks
Disability Confident
Virgin is committed to embedding a culture where those with health conditions or with visible or non-visible disabilities can work and achieve their full potential.
That’s why we’re a Disability Confident Employer, ensuring that our people and candidates get the right support throughout their journey with us.
We’re also part of the Valuable 500 scheme, making a public commitment to ensure our workplace is inclusive and accessible to all.
Inclusive careers
To help us create a future that we can all celebrate and be proud of, we’ve teamed up with some amazing job boards to help support us.
Evenbreak is an award-winning social enterprise. An online specialist job board run by disabled people for disabled people and is one of the most accessible job board in the UK.
Diversifying.io is a purpose-led careers platform that helps people find jobs with employers who are serious about diversity and inclusion.
