Speaker service

Since 1958, we have sent approximately 45,000 volunteers overseas and, once they return, many of them take time out from their busy routines to talk about their placements and experiences as VSO volunteers.
Our speakers bring alive the work of VSO and their experience of volunteering overseas for community groups.  They often educate others in the opportunities available to come together to fight poverty – and inspire people to become involved themselves as future volunteers, fundraisers or campaigners.
Our speakers are a range of returned volunteers, staff members, and other supporters of VSO. Speaker presentations usually focus on personal experiences of volunteering overseas with VSO, the range of supporter and volunteering opportunities available with VSO, and wider global Development issues.
Where possible, we aim to provide speakers for a range of audiences – including primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, and other community groups. Please note that we look to provide speakers for events and are therefore not able to respond to requests from careers fairs unless there will be a specific opportunity for a VSO presentation.

So that we can begin to find you an appropriate speaker, please email your request for a speaker to response@vso.org.uk and in it address the following questions:

• When is the talk to be held?

• Where is the talk to be held?

• How long is the speaker required for?

• What audience is the talk for?

• What information would you like to be covered in the presentation?

• Are there any resources you require (leaflets, etc.)?
  

Once you have provided us with the information required we will begin looking for an appropriate speaker. We receive a large number of requests and do our best to meet them, but unfortunately this isn’t always possible due to speaker availability. You should expect hear back from us within two weeks.
Please note that we ask those requesting a speaker to make a suggested minimum donation to VSO of £25 to cover speaker travel and administration related to the event. Please give at least two weeks’ notice for all speaker requests.

Should you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at response@vso.org.uk or 020 8780 7500

Data protection

If you request a talk VSO will store and process your data in accordance with the requirements of our Data Protection Policy and in keeping with the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you have any concerns regarding VSO's Data Protection Policy, please e-mail dataprotectiondesk@vso.org.uk