Overview
The world has continued to face complicated crises from inequality, to conflict and climate shocks. We are all at risk, but some are much more vulnerable than others. At the same time, democracy itself is under threat. Around the world, we are witnessing rising authoritarianism, shrinking civic space, and increased attacks on the rights of women, minorities, and activists. The ability of citizens to organise, to speak out, and to shape decisions that affect their lives is being curtailed.
Yet within this, something deeply human continues to shine through: the power of people. The courage and determination of individuals who are not only surviving adversity - but who are actively shaping change within their communities.
What VSO stands for
VSO’s purpose is to spark lasting change for everyone. In a world where justice, inclusion, and even truth is increasingly under threat, our work is not just about building a fairer world - it is about defending the very idea that such a world is possible. That is what VSO stands for. That is what our volunteers, our partners, and our primary actors do every day - with courage, with conviction, and with care.
Income
Expenditure
Our strategy in numbers*
30,232 people volunteered with VSO, working with communities in 19 countries.
36.4 million people were reached, including more than 31 million indirectly and over 5.4 million directly.
*Numbers represent impact achieved in the first two years of VSO’s current strategic plan.
Donne Cameron and Kathryn GordonAll of us at VSO are grateful to all those individuals, institutions and companies who've worked with us over the last year. Together we’ve shown how we can work alongside the most vulnerable to change our world for the better. With your help, we can be confident about fulfilling our plans by sparking lasting change for everyone.
VSO Co- CEOs
Support us with a donation
Stories from our year
Volunteer friendships around the world
Volunteering has a way of bringing people from all walks of life together, where shared acts of service can spark meaningful connections and blossom into lasting friendships. Read these four heart-warming stories.
Sparking change: Erin’s lifelong commitment to healthcare
We take a trip down memory lane and celebrate Erin, an inspiring woman from the UK, who did a volunteer professional skills share placement.
Nurturing peace, the environment and our community volunteers
All over the world, volunteers are bringing about lasting change in their own communities. Take a read to find out what our volunteers are up to.
Download previous years' reports:
- VSO Annual Reports and Accounts 2023-24 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (PDF)
- 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)
