At VIPR, we believe that diversity is more than just a word - it’s a core principle that shapes who we are and how we operate. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) aren’t just policies or initiatives, but a big part of our DNA. They are essential to creating an innovative, dynamic, and high-performing workplace.
We understand that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which helps us thrive in the fast-paced tech world. That’s why our commitment to fostering an inclusive, non-judgmental environment - where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, is a cornerstone of our company culture.
To ensure that our culture of inclusion isn’t just an aspiration but a reality, we’ve implemented several initiatives that promote diversity and gender equality at VIPR.
Equal Opportunities: We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background. From fair recruitment practices to equitable pay and career development opportunities, we’re dedicated to levelling the playing field for everyone.
Anonymous CVs in Recruitment: Bias can sometimes be unconscious, so we take steps to prevent it in our hiring process. As part of our recruitment policy, all CVs we receive are anonymous, ensuring our hiring decisions are based on skills and experience alone.
D&I Monitoring Surveys: Each year, we conduct an anonymous diversity monitoring survey. This survey helps us track our progress and identify areas where we can improve. New employees also participate in this survey as part of their onboarding, reflecting our commitment to D&I from day one.
Tech Talent Charter Membership: Although the Tech Talent Charter, a government-supported initiative to improve diversity in tech, has recently closed, our commitment to D&I remains strong. We continue to support and collaborate with initiatives that help advance diversity in the tech industry.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: From the top down and bottom up, we aim to build a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected. Our twice yearly All-Hands meetings provide an opportunity for employees to offer anonymous feedback through eNPS surveys, ensuring their voices are heard. We also promote awareness around key cultural and religious events, such as Ramadan, to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Hybrid Work Arrangements: We understand the importance of work-life balance, and that’s why we offer hybrid working options. This flexible approach empowers our employees to manage both their personal and professional lives, leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive team.
The People behind VIPR - An HR Perspective
Jo Hayes, Head of People at VIPR, reflects on the significance of D&I in shaping the company’s success. “At VIPR, we know that our people are our most valuable asset. The diversity of their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas is what drives our innovations. Our goal is to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, be their authentic selves, and feel a true sense of belonging. By fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm, we can continue to push boundaries, improve performance, and build a more resilient company.
Gender equality has been a key focus for us over the past year, addressing this throughout the business, at team, management and leadership levels. We are already seeing positive changes, which are impacting the way we approach our business goals and set ourselves up for future success”.
Impactful Stories: How D&I makes a Difference
One example of our D&I efforts in action is our gender equality initiative. We’ve seen first-hand how providing equitable opportunities for career advancement, coupled with anonymous CVs during recruitment, has enabled us to hire and retain top female talent. These women have gone on to lead key projects and initiatives that have positively impacted both our operations and customer experience. We are also extremely proud to have three female members on the VIPR Executive leadership team.
Our inclusive environment also allows employees to openly share feedback and ideas, contributing to a continuous cycle of improvement. We’ve heard from employees that the flexibility of our hybrid work policy has been a game-changer, especially for working parents, enabling them to achieve better work-life balance.