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Governance

Government & Management

Human Rights & Ethical Leadership

Human Rights

Respect for human rights is a core priority at Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland, and we recognise that sustainable economic performance depends on acting with integrity and responsibility. Our approach is guided by the Volkswagen Group’s Declaration on Social Rights, Industrial Relations and Business and Human Rights (the “Social Charter”), endorsed jointly by Group leadership and employee representatives through the European and Global Works Councils. This framework reinforces our commitment to fair labour practices, ethical conduct and the protection of human rights across all our operations in Ireland.

With this declaration, we openly subscribe to the main international agreements and declarations, in particular to the International Charter of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms (ILO - International Labour Standards).

Our business activities are guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), which are the building blocks of our activities.

Our decisions are guided by transparency, sound judgment and strong corporate integrity, always prioritising the best interests of our employees, business partners, shareholders and the wider organisation. We foster trust and support positive transformation through leadership grounded in ethical values, all of which are reflected in our Social Charter.

Diversity & Equal Opportunities

Diveristy

Diversity, equal opportunity and fair treatment are core principles that guide our culture at Volkswagen Financial Services Ireland. We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and non‑discriminatory workplace where collaboration, mutual respect and partnership thrive.

We actively support and value workforce diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel empowered to contribute and succeed. We provide equal opportunities for all and do not tolerate any form of discrimination. This includes unequal treatment based on ethnic or social origin, colour, gender, nationality, language, religion or belief, age, physical or mental health, gender identity, sexual orientation, political opinion or any other characteristic protected by law.

We embrace diversity in all its forms, promote inclusion at every level of the organisation and work to create conditions where every individual can develop their unique strengths. 

Occupational Health and Safety

We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment in full compliance with national legislation and company policies. We prioritise the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational illness, while actively promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of our employees, recognising that this requires the ongoing engagement and shared responsibility of everyone across the organisation.

Security and Protection of information

We recognise the importance of safeguarding the Company’s intellectual capital and take comprehensive measures to protect it. We also uphold strict respect for the intellectual property rights of our competitors, business partners and all third parties.

Prohibition of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

We conduct robust due diligence on all customers, business partners and third parties to ensure we engage only with reputable organisations that operate legally and ethically, while maintaining accurate allocation of payments and full traceability of transactions, upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity across our financial operations.

Conflict of Interest and Prohibition of Corruption

We actively manage and mitigate conflicts of interest by ensuring that personal, financial or external relationships do not influence professional judgement or business decisions, including interactions with colleagues, Group entities, suppliers and partners. Clear internal policies govern gifts, hospitality and business engagements, ensuring they are appropriate, transparent and fully compliant with our ethical standards.

Unfair Competition

We operate in full compliance with all applicable antitrust and competition laws, ensuring fair and transparent market practices at all times. We strictly prohibit any anti‑competitive agreements, misuse of market position, or the exchange of sensitive or confidential information with competitors, supported by robust internal controls that safeguard our integrity, reputation and compliance standards.

Data Protection and IT Security

We are committed to the responsible, secure and transparent management of data, ensuring all personal information is handled in full compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We protect the data of our customers, employees, applicants and partners while upholding robust IT security standards through mandatory policies that guide and safeguard our operations.

Whistleblower Protection

We operate on a foundation of strong ethical principles and full legal compliance, with zero tolerance for unlawful or unethical behaviour. To support a culture of integrity, we provide secure and confidential reporting channels through both our internal systems and the Group‑wide Whistleblower System, ensuring all concerns are handled impartially, professionally and without fear of retaliation, while protecting all individuals involved.

Code of Conduct

The Volkswagen Group Code of Conduct (OUR CODE) is a value-based code of ethics which all employees of the Group undertake to always act honestly and in accordance with the Group's rules. The Code of Conduct serves as a binding guideline for employees of all our brands and companies worldwide.

Together, we bear responsibility for our cooperation, our working and living environment, sustainability, and togetherness. We approach each other and the external environment with respect and as equals. We take clear positions, we unwaveringly and proudly stand by our values and principles, regardless of the time or the economic and social situation.

We strongly believe that to build trust in our Company, our products, services, and innovations, it is essential that each of us – employees, board members and managers – act with integrity.

For this reason, all decisions we make in all areas of work and at all levels must be in accordance with both our corporate values, and applicable national and international regulations and internal rules. This also applies to the further development of our Company regarding the development and use of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Transparency is important to us and our approach to innovative technologies ensures that all the rights and safety of their users are respected.

We do not tolerate violations of the code of conduct.  Anyone who breaks our rules must face the consequences. To prevent such situations from occurring, we seek support to jointly protect our company, its values, and the reputation of all our brands.

Each of us is personally responsible for following our code of ethics (OUR CODE). It is up to each of us to familiarize ourselves with it and follow it in our daily decisions. For the Group in motion, for the protection of people and the environment and for future generations. 

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