DofE expectations
The DofE programme is designed so that each participant engages in activities which offer personal challenge within a setting that prioritises risk management, safeguarding and safe practice.
The DofE recognises that safeguarding and safe practices are vital to accomplishing this; safeguarding must be at the very heart of everything we do, and we’re clear about our expectations of those who work with us.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to safeguard young people, and anyone working with young people should understand what they need to do, what to look for, how to report, and how to respond appropriately to concerns.
Supporting resources
Read how we are keeping young people safe here. Standards and expectations for Licensed Organisations (LOs) and Approved Activity Providers (AAPs) are set out in the licensing agreement in place between each organisation and the DofE charity. We expect that all LOs and AAPs will, as a minimum, meet the standards as set out in our policies.
We also expect that LOs and AAPs report to us any concerns regarding young people or adults who are engaged in the delivery of, or participate, in DofE programmes by emailing [email protected]. This also applies to organisations that aren’t LOs or AAPs and deliver residential activities to DofE participants.
Our Residential Requirements state that participants should stay with their group in shared accommodation for the entirety of the residential. This should be appropriate to the needs of the individual whilst enabling a shared living experience. This doesn’t include staying with a friend or relative, as the setting must be unfamiliar. Other options may be suitable, provided they can still meet the shared purposeful activity and safety requirements.
Organisations delivering a residential activity are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of participants. They should assess and approve the experience and qualifications of their staff and establish necessary training requirements. Whilst the DofE doesn’t insist on specific qualifications, it’s strongly recommended that suitable national qualifications for the chosen activities are obtained (if applicable). The organisation is responsible for the safety aspects, training adequacy, and emergency procedures. We advise our LOs, as well as parent/carers, to assure themselves that any organisation they are using for their residential is reputable, risks have been assessed and that adults are suitably competent. It is essential that appropriate risk assessments, preventative actions, emergency procedures and reviews are completed for all residentials to ensure the safety of the young people involved.
External guidance organisations must comply with
The Department for Education guidance: After Schools Clubs, Community Activities, and Tuition Safeguarding Guidance for Providers is a comprehensive and valuable resource for organisations working with young people in non-school settings. The Department for Education is strongly encouraging all providers to adopt this guidance as best practice. It’s non-statutory, and we encourage all organisations to check the guidance for compliance of your own systems and procedures.
The NSPCC Behaviour Management and Code of Conduct states:
“Organisations that work with children need to set clear expectations about what behaviour is acceptable from adults, children and young people. By writing this out formally you can make sure everyone understands the appropriate way to behave. This will help you:
- Protect children and young people from abuse
- Manage any allegations or incidents of inappropriate behaviour
- Ensure everyone – staff, volunteers and children and young people – feels safe, respected and valued.
We call this a code of conduct, or behaviour code, and you should have a separate code for adults and for children. Sometimes it is included in your behaviour management policy. It should form part of your safeguarding and child protection organisational policies, procedures and standards.”
