A young woman with long, dark hair wearing a black jacket and a white headband stands outdoors, smiling slightly. She has a large backpack secured to her back, which includes an orange sleeping bag. The background features greenery and trees, suggesting a natural setting.

Our impact

Impact is at the heart of our charity – through DofE, we empower young people to positively impact their own lives and prospects, and their broader communities.

In 2024 we launched a brand new Impact Report, analysing data from 40,880 participants and using groundbreaking open data methodology to measure the difference taking part in the DofE makes to participants, comparing DofE data with UK-wide youth population data in some key areas.

The results are hugely encouraging, showing that young people who take part in the DofE experience positive impacts on their wellbeing, skills development, community ties and physical activity levels.

Read our Impact Report 2024 Download our Impact Report (PDF)

Impact Report

Our Impact Report measures the difference doing DofE makes to young people across a range of key outcomes. Using a groundbreaking open data methodology, we’ve examined the impact of DofE participation on young people’s social and emotional development, wellbeing and sense of belonging, and compared this with data for the UK youth population as a whole in key areas. The findings from our 2024 Impact Report show that young people achieve positive outcomes through their participation in DofE.

Annual Statistics

Our Annual Statistics reveal that 330,984 young people started their DofE in 2023-24 and participants gave 4.7 million hours of volunteering in their local communities – the highest figures in our charity’s history. The overall participation figure was also a record, at 545,910 – while, encouragingly, Awards achieved were up by 7.3% to 155,502.

Annual Statistics 2023-24
Annual Statistics 2022-23

Annual Report

In the fourth year of our Youth Without Limits strategy, we’ve once again seen young people take up DofE in record numbers. This year we’ve celebrated one million DofE journeys started – nearly two years ahead of our target.

Annual Report 2024
Annual Report 2023

Youth Without Limits strategy

DofE believes in young people, in their innate value and infinite potential. Our 5-year strategy is determined to celebrate and champion every young person. To provide a safe environment of support and challenge that grows as they do. We support young people of all backgrounds to take on their own challenges, follow their passions and discover talents they never knew they had.

Jack is standing confidently on a football field in front of a goalpost, holding a football under one arm. He is wearing a black long-sleeve athletic top and black shorts, with a faint smile on his face. The background shows a fenced area with leafless trees and a cloudy sky.

I really think the DofE course can be used as a mental health support for sure. I feel more energised and like I’m more active on a daily basis.

Jack

Gold Award holder

Our impact

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