Social
Bringing joy to our people with a safe, happy, and supportive workplace
We employ almost 200 people across our head office in Norwich and our distribution centres in Preston and Bolton.
Supporting Wellbeing
Whilst this has always been a hugely important focus for us, the Covid-19 pandemic has only amplified our awareness of and the need for wellbeing to be discussed in open forum amongst colleagues. It is an area where we are keen to do as much as possible, and with Covid-19 restrictions lifting and the move to a more hybrid working approach, it has never been more important for us to take practical measures to support every person within the business.
Our managers complete ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ training, run by Mind, to help equip them to deal This will help equip these managers to deal with a range of scenarios, both in terms of spotting signs that people may be struggling and understanding how to best support them.
In addition, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers employees access to fully funded counselling sessions which are available online and in person. It also provides a range of services offering advice on a variety of personal and workplace concerns, including legal and debt management.
Diversity and Inclusion
Each and every employee is fundamental to the success of our business. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace that respects and values each employee’s individuality, background and experience.
Virgin Wines is an equal opportunities employer. We work hard to create a culture where our staff can feel empowered and confident that they have an opportunity to grow and progress within our business regardless of age, gender, race and background.
You can read our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
Training and Development
It is important that all our staff feel that they are knowledgeable about the products we sell, which is why every employee is offered the chance to complete a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualification, all the way up to Level 4 diploma, that is fully funded by the Company. We even have our very own in-house trainer. Currently more than 50% of our staff hold a Level 2 WSET qualification. Within our Wine Advisor team 25% also hold the advanced Level 3 WSET qualification, also funded by us.
We understand the importance of self-development, both within a current role and also to help people progress to a new role or career. We support this by funding other external qualifications that our people are passionate about too, helping many to reach their wider career goals.
Community Purpose Programme
Pouring joy into our communities, not just our glasses.
Our Community Purpose Programme focuses on making a tangible difference to local communities where our operations are based, both in the UK and internationally.
We have four core charity partnerships that reflect that: Bright Start, Growing Well, Hope After Suicide Loss, and The Drinks Trust.
Every year we donate bottles of wine to various charitable events and organisations across the UK. All employees have access to a charitable allowance to donate bottles of wine to causes close to their hearts.
Bright Start
Bright Start’s mission is to provide children from impoverished settlements in South Africa with equitable education opportunities, so they can dream of a better future.
As a small grassroots charity, every bit of funding goes a long way, so we decided to ensure they get the financial support they need by literally giving back on the bottles we take out of South Africa.
61% of our South African portfolio will receive a 2p per bottle contribution that will go directly to Bright Start. We work closely with winemakers and vineyards to source a huge number of wines from South Africa, enough to make sure Bright Start receives consistent and sustainable funding to cover its operational needs.
Hope After Suicide Loss
Our head office is based in Norwich. Each year our staff vote for a charity of their choice to support. This year it’s Hope After Suicide Loss, and alongside a set corporate donation, further funds are raised through staff-led events such as office bake sales and sporting activities.
Growing Well
Based near our warehouses in Preston and Bolton, Growing Well is a targeted and specialist mental health intervention charity that champions recovery through outdoor activity in two Cumbrian market gardens. Every year they receive a fixed corporate contribution from us.
The Drinks Trust
We also want to safeguard the drinks industry community as a whole, which is why we also donate to The Drinks Trust. The charity is dedicated to the drinks and hospitality workforce, striving to empower people through services designed to assist financially, restore wellbeing and develop skills, and to do so with compassion and respect. The ultimate aim is to create an equitable industry where opportunities to thrive are open to all.