After you apply
Being a VSO volunteer can be a huge change. But we’re committed to helping you through every step of the way.
What happens after I submit an application to volunteer?
Once you have applied online, the process of assessment and shortlisting begins. It normally take about three weeks to find out if you are shortlisted.
If you are well suited to the role of a VSO volunteer, you will be invited to participate in the selection process. This will likely be an interview, depending on the role you’ve applied for.
It may be that you successfully complete the selection process, but the advertised placement is offered to a different candidate. In this case, there may well be other roles that we feel could really suit your experience, personality and approach. If you’re shortlisted for another role to the one you originally applied for, you would not need to repeat any assessment processes already completed.
Getting ready to leave
The process of checks, training and induction usually takes five months from the date you submitted your application.
There will be a criminal background check and medical check to make sure you are fit and healthy enough to successfully complete a placement. The medical check is completed by by your family doctor, a travel health specialist or a doctor identified by VSO in your home country.
The doctors report will then be considered by VSO medical advisers, who will decide whether you are medically suitable to volunteer with VSO or whether your circumstances are such that you would only be suitable for certain placements. For more information or to speak to the medical team in confidence you can email [email protected]
VSO covers the costs of medical cover and required immunisations and anti-malarials.
We will also help arrange flights and visas, your overseas accommodation and your insurance, and provide clear instructions to guide you every step of the way. You will be offered financial assistance so you are not out of pocket due to volunteering.
Fundraising
We see fundraising as an essential part of the volunteer journey. Each UK volunteer on accepting a placement agrees a fundraising plan with our dedicated volunteer fundraising officer and commits to raising at least £985 prior to going overseas for VSO. Asking our volunteers to fundraise has a double impact: it provides much needed income for the charity to keep sending volunteers overseas to support some of the world’s poorest people, and it also presents an invaluable opportunity to raise VSO’s profile amongst your community.
Fundraising can also help us to talk through volunteers and deliver important messages into our UK communities. Therefore, your support in fundraising is invaluable to VSO.
Don’t worry if you’ve never fundraised before. We’ll give you advice, support and resources to help you reach your individual fundraising target.
What will happen during my placement?
You will be met once you arrive in-country by a VSO representative and completed further induction training to get you settled. You will meet other volunteers as well as your local colleagues with the partner organisation you have been placed with.