UK businesses are being invited to join a pilot scheme that aims to help their employees gain a deeper insight into third world poverty.
Voluntary Service Overseas wants companies to sign up to its new Business Partnership Scheme, under which employees can spend between three and 12 months working on a professional placement in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe before returning to their workplace.
VSO claims the scheme will be ‘a practical, public and cost effective way to demonstrate real ethical brand values’, by helping out small businesses in developing countries with technical skills.
It also claims staff members taking part will become ‘more adaptable and flexible with an increased understanding and experience of working in global markets’.
VSO is particularly interested in recruiting private sector accountants, business managers, lawyers, IT consultants and management consultants to take part in the scheme, which should be launched in November.