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 Ireland's workforce. Professionals and Ireland 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 health trusts – as we recognise that everyone can benefit: Ireland's employees, 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 Ireland as employees bring back unique learning, perspectives and enthusiasm into the organisation

• add value to Ireland's 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.