A fair world for everyone
Creating lasting change through volunteering
We bring people together to address marginalisation and poverty.
We fight poverty not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to create long-lasting change in the some of the world’s poorest regions.
We know, from over sixty years of experience, that when teachers pass on their skills to others, when community groups are shown reliable sources of income, and when governments are helped to make systems fairer, this brings about lasting change.
Our values
Collaboration
- Empower poor and marginalised people to take charge of their own development
- Share skills and knowledge to create long lasting, sustainable change
- Build collaborative partnerships that promote innovation, growth and impact
Knowledge
- Lead volunteering for development, setting the standard for ourselves and others
- Use evidence and insight to guide our actions
- Recruit the right people and work where we have the greatest impact
Inclusion
- Stand beside and advocate for those who have been denied choice and opportunity
- Promote diversity and equality throughout our work
- Encourage different, inquisitive perspectives
Integrity
- Commit to safeguarding and take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and harm
- Treat others with respect, as equals
- Be open, transparent and accountable in everything we do
People First
Our strategy, People First, sets out how we will increase our impact against marginalisation and poverty:
- Extend and deepen our impact through our programmes
- Mobilise global citizens to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Position volunteering as a powerful contribution to delivery of the SDGs
Theory of Change
VSO’s Theory of Change explains how we make a distinct difference to poor communities and ensure our contribution is a lasting one.
At VSO, we believe progress is only possible when we work together.
Partnerships lie at the root of all the positive transformation that we create. Together, we work on programme development and delivery, research, advocacy and fundraising.
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About VSO
VSO volunteers and partners reached over 1,000,000 people last year.