VSO Ireland Barncat report on short term volunteering

Is the climate right for VSO Ireland to actively recruit experienced professionals for short-term placements overseas, and which models of short-term volunteering will ensure the greatest impact for the communities VSO works in?

The following report, commissioned by VSO Ireland and written by Hannah Grene, Barncat Consulting, provides a perspective on whether, where and how to send increased numbers of skilled volunteers on short-term placements (defined by VSO Ireland as anywhere up to 6 months) to programme countries. The report concludes that short-term volunteers can make a meaningful contribution to programmes and to development goals, if such placements are carefully planned and implemented as part of a larger plan.