The past year has been a year like no other for VSO. When the severity of COVID-19 became apparent, we knew that the most vulnerable would be most at risk.
In just 10 days, we pivoted 80% of VSO programming to respond to the crisis.
In spite of the challenges of travel and the increased difficulty of working in communities, we were determined we would continue supporting the most vulnerable through this crisis. Thanks to the strength of VSO’s blended volunteer model which draws on the commitment, resilience and adaptability of community, national and international volunteers.
Our year in numbers
3,403 volunteers joined us in pursuit of our vision of a fair world for everyone.
We reached over 12.9 million people including 7.65 million indirectly and nearly 5.25 million directly.
VSO worked with communities in 29 countries, nine of which VSO were working in for the first time.
2020-21 financial review
In 2020/21, our income levels reduced significantly. The decrease is mostly linked to a further reduction of our ICS contract income, as it was not possible to send volunteers in the last year of the contract due to COVID-19. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) remain a significant income source, although the overall proportion has decreased, as we have diversified our donor portfolio.
Our total income for the year was £49.4 million, and our total spend on charitable activities was £41.8 million.
Income
Expenditure
Find out more about how we're funded
Read the full annual review
Download the 2020-21 annual review (PDF, 28.5 MB)
Download previous years' reports:
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2015-16 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2014-15 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2010-11 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2010-11 (PDF)
Stories from our year
How a video call is changing lives in this refugee camp
In the world’s biggest refugee settlement, volunteers from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Wales are working together to create fun, play, learning and laughter for Rohingya children who call the camps home.
Volunteers respond to devastating fire in Sierra Leone slum
In 2021 a devastating fire broke out in Susan’s Bay slum in Freetown, Sierra Leone, leaving 7,000 people homeless. Read how volunteer Samuel jumped in to action.
From the frontlines of Ebola to COVID-19: One volunteer’s journey
Nurse Willeke Gerritsen shares how volunteering during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 prepared her to take on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.
Find out more
How we are funded
Our work would not be possible without funding and donations from agencies, trusts, private companies and the general public.
Vision, values and strategy
A fair world for everyone. Creating lasting change through volunteering.
Structure and governance
Our International Board and Executive Board set the strategic direction of VSO in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines.