Corporate Social Responsibility at GM Mobility
Having operated as a family-run business for more than 38 years, our fundamental purpose has always been to make people’s lives easier. This commitment to improving lives has remained central to everything we do, and these core values continue to shape our business.
We believe that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive contribution to the challenges facing the world today, and we are determined to play our part in driving that change.
At GM Coachwork, we actively support local and national initiatives that champion inclusion, wellbeing, and long-term social value.
Our CSR policy is based around the following three strands:
Ethics and people
Governance
As a family-run business, GM Mobility benefits from robust, values-led governance. This structure allows us to take a long-term perspective, prioritising sustainable growth and customer satisfaction across generations.
Health and safety in the workplace
GM Mobility operates in accordance with ISO 45001, the internationally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management. This ensures a proactive approach to identifying, managing, and reducing workplace risks.
We continually assess and improve our working environments, putting in place appropriate controls and procedures to minimise risk. Employees are actively encouraged to contribute to workplace safety by reporting hazards and suggesting improvements. Comprehensive training is provided to all staff to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform their roles safely.
GM Mobility firmly believes that mental and physical health are of equal importance. We are dedicated to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting the overall wellbeing of our team. Employees have access to a range of support and resources through the RISE health and wellbeing service. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued and able to perform at their best.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (equal opportunities)
We are proud to employ a diverse team of 300 people, bringing together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity strengthens our business and improves our ability to serve customers effectively.
The very nature of our work, designing and manufacturing wheelchair accessible vehicles and minibuses, places inclusion at the core of everything we do. We are united by a shared purpose to make the world more accessible and to give our customers greater independence and freedom.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. Open communication and mutual respect are promoted at every level of the business.
Community and social impact
As a family business, the importance of community, both within the workplace and in the wider world, is something we value highly.
We are proud to collaborate with a diverse range of local and national organisations. Through these partnerships, we aim to strengthen community ties, provide vital services to those who need them most, and promote a more inclusive society.
Exeter Otters Wheelchair Basketball Club
Mobility and independence lie at the heart of what we do. We are proud sponsors of the Exeter Otters Wheelchair Basketball Club, one of the oldest clubs in the UK. They were established in 1980 and are key competitors in Division One of the GBWBA League. Beyond their competitive achievements, the Exeter Otters run inclusive training sessions welcoming all abilities, nurturing teamwork and physical wellbeing across our local region.
Trussell Trust
GM Coachwork is a proud corporate donor to the Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity supporting a network of over 1,600 food bank centres across the UK. Our contributions form a small but meaningful part of providing emergency food and practical support to individuals and families in times of crisis.
Family Fund
We recognise the distinct challenges faced by families raising children with additional needs. We are annual corporate donors to Family Fund, the UK’s largest charity providing grants and services to low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Each year, Family Fund supports over 66,000 families with grants for items such as white goods, computers, sensory toys and family breaks, all aimed at improving quality of life.
Rotherham Parents Forum
Our commitment to the SEND community is demonstrated through our support of the Rotherham Parents Forum, to whom we have provided equipment. This charity is a vital lifeline for families of young people with SEND and neurodivergent adults in the Rotherham area. Through peer support, they ensure every individual has a voice and a community to rely on.
ProTouch Football Academy
We are proud to serve as a Team and Kit sponsor for ProTouch Football Academy, a Community Interest Company (CIC) delivering elite football programmes and structured community sports sessions across 10 London boroughs. Their FA-licensed coaching goes beyond sport, offering young people aged 4–25 pathways to education, professional contracts, and scholarships to equip them with the tools to succeed in life.
Environmental
Transition to low-emission mobility
We are actively contributing to the shift toward electric mobility through the development of electric wheelchair accessible vehicles and minibuses, including the Kia PV5 and Ford eTransit, supporting a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions.
Reducing our environmental impact
GM Mobility is committed to upholding high standards of quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our processes and approach to continuous improvement are aligned with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 14001, which guides our environmental management practices and helps us reduce our overall environmental impact.
We understand that protecting our environment is of the utmost importance. We actively contribute to global conservation efforts by investing in projects that enhance ecosystems around the world. As part of our ongoing commitment, we maintain a pledge to plant five trees per month through Green Earth, helping to offset our carbon emissions as an automotive manufacturer.
Demonstrating our commitment to quality, safety and industry excellence.
