Public sector partnerships
VSO is the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through skilled professional volunteers. Instead of sending food or money, we send people from a wide range of professions to share their skills in the fight against poverty.
But it's not only the world's poorest people gaining from the expertise of the UK workforce. Professionals and UK public sector organisations benefit because volunteers return from a VSO placement with fresh insight, skills and energy.
VSO is working in partnership with more public sector organisations – from government to NHS Trusts – as we recognise that everyone can benefit: UK employees, UK public sector organisations as well as organisations and people across the developing world.
Why work together?
Public sector partnerships can:
inspire new ways of working and improve services in the UK as employees bring back unique learning, perspectives and enthusiasm into the organisation
add value to UK public sector organisations through, for example, talent or leadership development, the fostering of innovation, or the strengthening of community cohesion
help attract and retain the best employees by rewarding them with international placements in challenging developing country contexts that offer unique development opportunities.
Full pension credits
In recognition of the benefits of international volunteering, the UK government have committed £13 million so that UK public sector workers volunteering overseas for 7-24 months can get full pension credits during their absence, at no cost to themselves or the employer. Read more about the pension benefit and eligibility.
Public sector pensions FAQs
If you would like to know more about how VSO can work in partnership with your organisation, email public.partnerships@vso.org.uk
