When young people build lifelong belief in themselves, there are no limits to what they can achieve. That’s why, at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), we support young people to embrace new experiences, follow their passions and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.

The DofE is the world’s leading youth development framework, designed to foster personal growth. Whatever a young person’s ability, interest or background, a DofE Award can be adapted for them. It’s a prestigious, trusted way to turn the things young people love into lifelong skills that can help them get a job, make a difference in their community and take on new challenges.

The DofE is a registered charity, funded by donations, Participation Places and licence fees. The charity works with Licensed Organisations across the UK to increase opportunities for young people.

In today’s uncertain world, the DofE provides young people with a meaningful chance to grow, building their emotional resilience, confidence and wellbeing. Through activities like exploring nature and developing a diversity of skills, the DofE bridges the gap between education and future careers while strengthening a young person’s connections to their community and the wider world.

Who can take part?

14–24-year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Any young person can do their DofE and achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level, and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition, and – for Gold only – working with a team on a residential activity.

Essential skills for life and work

Through a DofE programme, young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They develop essential emotional and social skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and confidence. Activities and volunteering opportunities done through the DofE enhance CVs and university or job applications. The DofE gives a young person talking points to expand upon in an interview setting. Top employers recognise and value the work-ready skills Award holders bring to a business.

Who runs the programme?

The DofE licenses many organisations that work with young people to run DofE programmes such as schools, colleges, youth groups, clubs, young offender institutions, fostering agencies, businesses, hospitals and more. Through the Licensed Organisation (LO), young people (or their parents/carers) pay for a Participation Place and are supported by Leaders through their programmes, helping them to choose their activities, set their objectives and achieve their Award.