Volunteering
VSO tackles poverty by using the skills, commitment, and enthusiasm of individuals from around the world. For 50 years we have been recruiting volunteers aged between 18 and 75 to live and work in the heart of local communities. We are actively recruiting at all times, and there are a range of placements to suit a variety of ages and professional expertise.
Advocacy & campaigns
VSO supports disadvantaged communities by bringing their stories and experience to the attention of the public and decision-makers worldwide. We undertake advocacy locally, nationally and internationally to bring about positive change to policies and practices. Together with our supporters, we campaign for global justice and help raise awareness of important development issues.
Partnerships
Partnership is a key feature of the way that we work with other organisations, whoever they may be and wherever in the world they operate. We work with local partners in the communities which we exist to serve, placing volunteers with them to help them increase their impact and effectiveness. And we work with corporate partners around the world to provide them with ways to contribute to our development goals in a way that provides benefits to both parties.
Sharing good practice
LINKS (Learning through International Networking and Knowledge Sharing) activities give VSO partners the chance to go to another country to learn and share good practice by visiting or working with organisations there. VSO also promotes and helps to organise a variety of national activities that can help to connect in-country partnerships. Activities can include study tours, themed workshops, and in-country partner exchanges.
Small grants
Volunteers can apply for small grants of up to £1000, which can be used to support the objectives of the placement and partnership. This can include paying ...
Quotes
In VSO, we see, through the sharing of skills, knowledge and creativity, a fine attempt to help countries develop a more effective education provision.
Chris Keates, General Secretary, NASUWT
Katrien Deschamps
Doctor – Malawi
In a country with just one doctor for every 62,000 people, GP Katrien Deschamps is playing a vital role in Malawi’s healthcare situation. As one of just two doctors working in a district hospital in the north of the country, she’s undertaking life-saving clinical work and at the same time passing on invaluable skills to health workers at all levels.