Independent Impact Research
In 2007, supported by Pears Foundation, we commissioned The University of Northampton to carry out a ground-breaking study into the value of the DofE. The Impact Research showed that the DofE continues to offer successful personal development programmes for young people. It showed that young people do their DofE to have fun, and that support from Leaders and friends keeps them engaged.
Key findings:
– 90% of young people said doing their DofE has given them opportunities to help others.
– 82% noted their DofE has made them want to continue with volunteering/voluntary activities.
– 62% feel that doing their DofE has helped them make a positive difference to their local community.
– 74% of young people said they developed self-esteem.
– 64% feel that as a result of DofE they are better at sport or physical activity.
– 74% of young people said it allowed them to try activities they would never have tried before.
– 71% of young people identified improved self-belief.
– Three quarters of young people think their DofE Leaders are inspirational.
Making a difference with young people in custody
The DoFE commissioned an appraisal of the impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the DofE) in the secure estate, carried out by a team of researchers from Glyndwr and Cardiff Universities. The study, commissioned by the DofE, set out to examine delivery and organisation of the DofE in the secure estate and explore implications for young offenders and staff providing DofE programmes. The DofE would like to thank Dr Chai Patel’s family charitable foundation, Bright Future Trust, for the generous support of this research project.
Key findings:
– Findings from the study suggest that doing their DofE has a positive impact upon the experiences of young people in the secure estate, and may improve their chances for a brighter future and increase their resilience and resistance towards re-offending
– The CRIME-PICS ll analysis indicated that after engaging in DofE activities young people in this study demonstrated a more positive attitude in relation to:
– offending in general
– higher levels of victim empathy
– less perceived reward for crime
– reduced anticipation of re-offending
– perceived fewer life problems in future.
– The findings also suggest that their DofE fostered realisation of an alternative and attainable way of life other than crime, among young people in the secure estate.
United Learning Trust research
It’s hardly surprising then that Award holders are highly valued by both employers and educational establishments, as was proven in further independent research by the United Learning Trust
But it’s not just the individual that benefits. The value of DofE participants’ voluntary work is worth over £19.3million to local communities across the UK each year. What’s more, 61% of Gold Award holders continue with volunteering work after they have completed their programmes.
