This year, many of the global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were gradually lifted. For countries and communities already facing considerable challenges, there is a huge job to be done to make up lost ground in health, education, and livelihoods.
Our year in numbers
7,786 people volunteered with VSO, working with communities in 35 countries.
10.9 million people were reached, including nearly 7.4 million indirectly and over 3.5 million directly.
2022-23 financial review
In 2022/23, our income levels increased after two years of sharp decline as we have successfully diversified our donor portfolio. The decline of the past two years followed the decrease in institutional donor funding during COVID-19 and a significant reduction in FCDO funding subsequent to the ending of the International Citizen Scheme (ICS) in February 2021 and the grant received to fund VfD programmatic work. Although FCDO remains a significant income source, the overall proportion has decreased in 2022/23 from 43% to 32% (of which the FCDO ACTIVE grant represents 22%). Diversifying our donor portfolio remains a key objective as we enter 2023/24.
Our total income for the year was £40.4 million, and our total spend on charitable activities was £34.1 million.
Philip GoodwinWe are immensely proud of what we have achieved over the last year. This is only possible with your support. There is still so much work to do if we are to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. With your help, we can be confident about fulfilling our plans by working to create a fair world for everyone."
Chief Executive Officer
Income
Expenditure
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Stories from our year
Video blog: In conversation with two education volunteers in Rwanda
Melba from Colombia and Claude from Rwanda are two very different education specialists with one thing in common, they both volunteered with VSO in Rwanda. We brought these two volunteers together to share their reflections on what it was like to volunteer with VSO. Watch the videos now.
The volunteer ensuring the unsung heroes of waste aren't left behind
Driven by his passion to clean up the environment, Kenyan volunteer Lawrence is currently volunteering on a VSO recycling project in Nairobi, where he’s helping to empower waste pickers. Read about his work.
Our volunteers give their top tips for aspiring volunteers
From local volunteering to global development projects, everyone has the power to make a difference. Hear from VSO volunteers across the globe as they give their top tips on how to make your volunteering experience impactful and enjoyable.
Download previous years' reports:
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2015-16 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2014-15 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2010-11 (PDF)
- VSO Annual Report and Accounts 2010-11 (PDF)
Find out more
How we are funded
Our work would not be possible without funding and donations from agencies, trusts, private companies and the general public.
Structure and governance
Our International Board and Executive Board set the strategic direction of VSO in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines.