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International Volunteering - Gaps in Development

Although many organisations would reject the concept that international volunteering has anything to do with tourism, there are obvious parallels and the lines are becoming increasingly blurred. The development of ‘voluntourism’ and the idea that travellers can attach a period of volunteering to their trip away is an example of the merging of the two worlds. There is also a growing trend in taking a gap year before starting university or as a sabbatical during busy careers. The purchase of i-to-i by First Choice Holidays in March 2007 clearly shows the interest the travel industry has in this growing sector.

Tourism Concern has always argued that tourism itself, if managed correctly, can be a positive force for international development. As an impartial party, outside of the gap year companies, we were asked to facilitate the formation of an agreed code of practice across the sector.

Often the hopes and expectations of volunteers undertaking work abroad are not met by the companies responsible for organising their placements. Volunteers frequently feel let down by the experiences that they have in their host environments. Many of those who volunteer do not necessarily understand that they will be involved in development work, or what the implications of that are for themselves and the host communities.

In response to this, Tourism Concern organised two conferences for young people. The most recent, Tourism: the New Colonialism?, took place in 2005. As a result, Tourism Concern was asked to develop a code of practice for companies sending gap year volunteers abroad.

We were then approached by several short-term international volunteering organisations who were concerned at the current unregulated growth of the international volunteering industry. Following extensive research, we have begun our new campaign: Gaps In Development.

Although there is a distinct difference between the way commercial and not-for-profit organisations operate and between their motives, for the prospective volunteer looking to complete a placement the difference is minimal. Tourism Concern believes that if best practice can be shared between the two factions each can learn from the other and standards can be improved.

Having researched this new industry it was felt that an agreed code of practice would be an important first step towards ensuring that volunteers’ experiences meet their expectations. It is important that both the volunteer and the host communities around the world always feel the benefit of their work.

By promoting best practice rather than highlighting bad, we aim to ensure that the high standards set by many sending organisations are met by all parties.

Many of the companies, both charitable and profit-making, attended a meeting held by Tourism Concern in April 2007 and after discussion most agreed in principle to adopt a code.

However, there needs to be a well-designed structure for the implementation of the Code of Practice to ensure that it is meaningful and not simply a marketing tool. Tourism Concern worked with NIDOS, the organisation supporting development agencies in Scotland, both to develop the code and now to develop an audit system to back it up.

We believe that where an organisation adopts the Code independent verification is essential. The Code should aim to be a recognised and trusted independent ‘seal of approval’. Not only would this ensure that organisations were objectively and demonstrably working to best practice principles, but as a certifiable ‘kitemark’ would also be an invaluable tool for prospective volunteers looking to maximise their contribution to international development.

Once we have the structures in place we will then be able to launch the Code of Practice and continue with the campaign.

The report "Gaps in Development" is available to buy from our online shop.

Tourism Concern's upbeat and entertaining DVD 'Your Place or Mine?' is for young & independent travellers and those about to go on a gap year abroad. Presenter Andy Jones follows the advice of responsible travel experts as he explores the world. You can buy the DVD today from the online shop.