Volkswagen Group UK's customer quality director, Alison Jones, has accepted the role of vice president for the Institute of Customer Service.

This honorary position is offered to a small number of UK business leaders based on their commitment, skills and approach to customer service and quality. Jones is the only automotive representative at the ICS.

The ICS is the professional body for customer service and was founded in 1997 with the main purpose of improving customer service performance and professionalism.

The Institute has more than 400 organisational members from the private, public and third sectors, as well as over 3,000 individual memberships.

Organisational members include Marks and Spencer, Asda, Waitrose, Costa Coffee and Boots.

As a vice president, Jones will contribute to the strategic development of the ICS and represent it at industry forums.