Imagine spending time volunteering overseas, changing the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Imagine doing that without having to worry about your pension being paid.

Well now is the time! On 15th March 2008 the Government announced that UK public servants wishing to volunteer overseas will now benefit from a new fund set up to help cover their pensions costs.

The Government have committed £13 million so that UK public servants volunteering overseas can get full pension credits during their absence, at no cost to themselves or the employer. This will benefit any UK public servant volunteering for 7-24 months with VSO or any other British Volunteer Agencies' Liaison Group (BVALG) member organisation (currently, International Service (UNAIS), Student Partnership Worldwide, Skillshare International, Progressio and VSO).

The fund demonstrates Government recognition that public servants who volunteer overseas return with experiences and skills that will directly benefit the UK public sector and employers are encouraged to regard international volunteering as part of a structured professional development plan. Hence pension contributions from the fund will be dependent on the volunteer returning to UK public service employment for a minimum of six months.

Now is the best time ever to volunteer! To find out more:

• More detail on the pension benefit and eligibility
  
  
• Information on volunteering opportunities for public service employees with VSO:
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business & Management (Local Government and Civil Service)
  • IT
  • Other