VSO

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

Founded in 1958, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is an international development organization that creates lasting change through its unique Volunteering for Development approach. VSO places marginalized and vulnerable people at the center of their own development, deploying skilled volunteers to collaborate directly with local communities on project design, delivery, and evaluation. Through this participatory model, VSO strengthens systems and advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Vision, Purpose & Approach

• Vision: A fair world for everyone.
• Purpose: To create lasting change through volunteering by harnessing the skills and expertise of volunteers to empower communities to lead their own development.
• Approach: Working alongside local partners and marginalized populations to strengthen education, livelihood, and health systems through locally owned, sustainable solutions.

Core Areas of Work

| Focus Area | Scope & Strategy (2022–2028) Impact | | --- | --- | | Inclusive Education | Ensures access to foundational skills for dignified lives; reached nearly 3.6 million people with quality education. | | Resilient Livelihoods | Equips individuals and families with sustainable economic and livelihood skills; supported over 400,000 people. | | Adolescent & Youth Health and Wellbeing | Strengthens healthcare services and empowers communities to claim quality care; supported nearly 200,000 people. |

Historical & Strategic Impact (2022–2028 Strategy)

• Historical Reach (Since 1958): Worked across 90+ countries, deployed over 100,000 volunteers, and supported more than 90 million people.
• Current Strategy Reach: Reached 24.8 million people total (nearly 4.2 million directly and over 20.6 million indirectly).
• Financial Efficiency (2023–24): 85p of every £1 spent went directly toward international poverty alleviation programs, with 15p allocated to operational governance and fundraising.

Core Values

• Collaboration: Empowering marginalized groups, sharing knowledge, and building impactful partnerships.
• Inclusion: Advocating for equal choice, promoting diversity, and supporting those denied opportunities.
• Knowledge: Setting standards in volunteering for development and using evidence to drive high-impact work.
• Integrity: Maintaining zero tolerance for abuse/harm, practicing open accountability, and respecting all people as equals.