International Citizen Service (ICS) is a global volunteering experience which supports young people from all backgrounds to make a real difference to some of the world’s poorest people. This initiative was launched by the Prime Minister in March 2011, and is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). The programme will give thousands of 18-25 year olds across the UK the chance to join in the fight against global poverty.
The International Citizen Service ran a pilot year in starting in March 2011 which was delivered by a consortium of six agencies led by VSO, and including Restless Development, Skillshare International, Progressio, International Service and THET (Tropical Health Education Trust). Between them, these agencies provided 1250 volunteer placements for young people in 2011/12.
In March 2012 following the success of the pilot programme a further 3 years of the ICS programme was confirmed. The consortium, headed by VSO, has been strengthened by introducing even more expert volunteering and development organisations and will include Raleigh International, Tearfund.
Collectively, the ICS agencies work directly with over 3,000 international volunteers every year and have partnership networks across over 60 countries. This provides for a breadth of international experience for volunteers and enables the ICS scheme to support achievement of multiple Millennium Development Goals.
Each of these agencies shares a passionate belief in demonstrating the potential for young people to make a real difference in the world and to develop as active citizens in a stronger global society.
For more information about the different agencies’ ICS programmes, please visit:
The ICS consortium member are:
Volunteer Sending Agencies
International Service
Progressio
Raleigh International
Restless Development
Tearfund
VSO
UK Strategic Recruitment
Catch22
Islamic Relief
National Volunteering Strategy
International Federation of the Red Cross
