VSO’s vision is of a world without poverty in which people work together to fulfil their potential. 

The part VSO plays in making this vision a reality is to promote volunteering to fight global poverty and disadvantage. We work for, and often directly with, disadvantaged people in the poorest countries where we can make a significant contribution and where it is safe to do so – in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean and Pacific islands. 

In each country where VSO works, we build partnerships with organisations that benefit disadvantaged people, and bring people together to share skills, creativity and learning to build a fairer world. At the heart of what we do is to provide international volunteers from developed and developing countries. These are skilled professionals who join partner organisations for anything from a few weeks up to two years or more, to support their ability to benefit disadvantaged people. VSO also supports youth, diaspora and national volunteering programmes; seeks changes in policy and practice that benefit disadvantaged people; and runs workshops, exchanges, training and study visits that enable partner organisations to become more effective.

VSO’s vision is of a world in which people of all cultures are seen as equal, learn from each other and share a common sense of rights and responsibilities as global citizens. We support volunteers to build on their experience and commitment to share their experience with others and work for positive and sustainable change.

VSO’s strategic plan

VSO's commitment to diversity