Vision, values and strategy

VSO/Juanan Eguiguren

A fair world for everyone

Creating lasting change through volunteering

We bring people together to address marginalisation and poverty.

We fight poverty not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to create long-lasting change in the some of the world’s poorest regions.

We know, from over sixty years of experience, that when teachers pass on their skills to others, when community groups are shown reliable sources of income, and when governments are helped to make systems fairer, this brings about lasting change.

VSO/Omar Havana

Our values

Collaboration

Empower poor and marginalised people to take charge of their own development
Share skills and knowledge to create long lasting, sustainable change
Build collaborative partnerships that promote innovation, growth and impact

Knowledge

Lead volunteering for development, setting the standard for ourselves and others
Use evidence and insight to guide our actions
Recruit the right people and work where we have the greatest impact

Inclusion

Stand beside and advocate for those who have been denied choice and opportunity
Promote diversity and equality throughout our work
Encourage different, inquisitive perspectives

Integrity

Commit to safeguarding and take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and harm
Treat others with respect, as equals
Be open, transparent and accountable in everything we do

People First

Our strategy, People First, sets out how we will increase our impact against marginalisation and poverty:

Extend and deepen our impact through our programmes
Mobilise global citizens to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Position volunteering as a powerful contribution to delivery of the SDGs

Download our People First strategy (PDF)

Theory of Change

VSO’s Theory of Change explains how we make a distinct difference to poor communities and ensure our contribution is a lasting one.

Download the VSO Theory of Change (PDF)

At VSO, we believe progress is only possible when we work together.

Partnerships lie at the root of all the positive transformation that we create. Together, we work on programme development and delivery, research, advocacy and fundraising.

If you'd like to find out more, get in touch.

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