Residential FAQs

Most of the flexibilities introduced within this section are designed for young people who would otherwise struggle to access the section. Therefore, for most participants, if an activity was unsuitable previously, it is likely still unsuitable now.

However, there are some situations where an activity that was previously rejected could now be acceptable. For example, if an activity was rejected because the participant knew a couple of people, but the group was large and interactions were mixed throughout, it may now meet the criteria. Similarly, participants with additional needs or those who would otherwise be unable to access the section might now be able to utilise opportunities that were previously deemed unsuitable.

It’s important to remember that participants should have approval from their DofE Leader for their activity before undertaking it. These changes to the rules are not intended to enable retrospective approval for activities that were never initially proposed as part of the participant’s programme.

The Residential section is often one of the more expensive sections to complete. The DofE is committed to ensuring the Award is accessible to all. We have added much more detail to our Residential Requirements to remove restrictions previously in place for providers and to allow for participants to make cost-effective decisions that reflect their individual needs. We believe that the additional flexibility will give more choice and open up more opportunities for all young people.

Generally, no, school trips can’t count for the Residential section as they tend to take place with familiar people (staff and students from the same school are considered known to each other, even if they’re in different classes or year groups).

However, there are some exceptions for young people who otherwise would not be able to take part – for example, those with additional needs or those who can’t attend provision outside of their Licensed Organisation.

The Residential Requirements have built-in flexibility that can be used when required for these participants – for example, young people who attend alternative provision centres or SEND settings and may receive specialist care.

We recognise that for some young people, attending a residential as a group with Leaders they know may be what is needed for them to complete the section.

The Requirements state that, in these circumstances, group residentials can be planned. However, if young people know the staff attending, they must find ways to spend time with others that are unknown to them during their residential, to experience some level of unfamiliarity relative to their needs.

The participants must still engage in some form of purposeful activity, such as a training course leading to a qualification, a course that develops skills or interests, or one that involves volunteering, as well as completing the other requirements of the section.

Participants can do different activities, providing they have a shared goal/theme. The activities must be linked in some way and allow them to interact as a group in a way that still meets the outcomes of the section.

Yes, in some cases. It may be acceptable if:

• The role is unpaid (apart from expenses)
• It doesn’t replace a paid staff member
• And meets all the other Residential Requirements (including group composition and size).

In the UK, an intern is usually classed as a worker and receives payment, so it is unlikely that an internship would be an acceptable residential activity. Internships are also unlikely to meet the requirements as they do not usually include accommodation. Participants should understand their status before submitting this as their residential choice.

During the residential, participants are expected to undertake a shared purposeful activity during the day and evening. The goal is to provide a valuable and fulfilling residential experience by allowing flexibility in how the hours are distributed and creating a programme that best supports participants’ development and growth while ensuring that all participants get the same standard and quality of experience. We are happy for providers to decide what works best for their programme.

The residential must be with at least four others undertaking the same experience and meet all the Residential Requirements. If this can be achieved, then it would be allowed. In this case, the leadership group would be considered the participant’s group rather than the group of Guides on the camp (or equivalent group of young people).

Camp America doesn’t meet the Residential Requirements due to the payment received, which is considered more than just our approved “out-of-pocket expenses”. This is clear from their website: Costs | Camp America.

Our Residential Requirements state that participants should stay with their group in shared accommodation for the entirety of their residential. This should be appropriate to individual needs, 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.

We strongly advise against homestays, particularly for under 18s or vulnerable adults. However, it is the young person (or parent/carer), along with the organisation running the residential, who is primarily responsible for checking the safety and suitability of sleeping arrangements. We have included some travel advice in our information for participants and would expect organisations to include comprehensive information on accommodation. It is important that consent is gained from parents/carers for a participant who is under 18 or for a vulnerable young person who is over 18.

The provision of “up to 50%” has been created to support all young people to access the section. It should not be viewed as a “target” by residential providers. Organisations should focus on creating opportunities for participants that meet the section’s outcomes. If the 50% rule is followed too rigidly, organisations risk some participants not meeting the outcomes if anyone registered drops out. Whilst we appreciate that there are situations outside their control, a process should be included in the registration to minimise this risk, such as requesting participants’ DofE centre details in advance.

This advice is guidance from the DofE, based on industry best practice and involvement in resolving complaints from organisations, participants and parents/carers. It isn’t mandatory, and your organisation’s safeguarding policy will take precedence.

In circumstances where under- and over-18s aren’t separated due to feasibility, then we would advise providers to:

1. Make all potential participants and their parents/carers aware of the sleeping arrangements.
2. Gain consent to acknowledge that they understand what those arrangements are and are happy to accept them.
3. Give some guidance of acceptable behaviour in relation to the accommodation situation (we think that regardless of accommodation a clear code of behaviour for participants is desirable).

We hope this advice helps to keep young people safe when taking part in your activity, bringing into play your own safeguarding policy and processes.

Organisations that offer student-led trips abroad, like World Challenge, are a fantastic opportunity to experience life in another country. We appreciate that the organisation itself may take on a lot of the planning and the young people from the school may not be friends, but we do still consider this to be a school trip, and therefore not meet the Residential Requirements, for the following reasons:

• Staff from the school are still required to attend the trip
• Even if they aren’t friends, if they all attend the same school, we consider this as known to each other

If a trip has been booked independently of a school and meets the other requirements of the section, then this is acceptable.

The majority of participants on a residential experience must not already know each other. The section is designed to be a shared experience within a new group of peers, all completing the same purposeful activities.

Therefore, for it to meet the Residential Requirements, participants must be part of a group of at least four others undertaking the same residential activity with a shared aim.

While they may work alongside an existing leadership team, the participants must form a new group where the majority of individuals are unknown to each other. The leadership team would provide guidance and support, but the participants must actively engage in the activities alongside their peers, collaborating and contributing towards the same goal.