New personalised DofE Card and parent/carer information going direct to participants’ homes

From October 2018 new participants will receive a personalised DofE Card and parent/carer information leaflet directly to their homes, instead of being included in Welcome Packs. The new DofE Cards will be printed with the participant’s name and eDofE ID and, going forward, participants should receive their cards within one month of registering their address on eDofE.

Why are we doing this?

This is the first step in a phased improvement of our communications to support the delivery of DofE programmes. Following internal review and external research with DofE participants, parents/carers and adult volunteers, we hope to increase participant engagement by sending useful information and resources directly to their homes, at the start of their programme when they need it the most. The wider project will also feature new digital tools and support resources for DofE Leaders to recruit and manage participants with a planned completion by the end of 2019.

We know that young people are more likely to engage in their award activities and complete their award if they are appropriately supported by their parents/carer. That’s why we’ve provided provided some encouragement and guidance for parents/carers too.

When will this happen?

The new participant DofE Cards will be personalised with the participant name and their unique eDofE ID and will be sent with the parent/carer leaflet to all participants who started a DofE programme from 1 July 2018*. The only requirement is they must have completed their address details correctly in eDofE.

How will this help participants?

The DofE Recommended Retailers, GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors and Tiso, have over 200 stores nationwide where the DofE Card can be used. A survey of over 3000 participants and nearly 2000 parents/carers showed that more than 90% of participants need to buy some expedition kit, but over 30% of the cards do not reach their homes and parents/carers.

The DofE is investing in sending the cards and parent/carer information direct to participants’ homes early in their programme so they can save at least 10% on any purchases throughout their DofE. The DofE Card is not just for expedition kit, the discounts apply across these stores and can also be used by the whole family. All DofE Card purchases generate a small donation to the DofE charity, which is put towards helping more young people to do their DofE.

Welcome Packs without a DofE Card or Voucher will continue to be sent directly to Licensed Organisations. For further information and FAQs visit DofE.org/shopping/direct-home-faqs/

* From 1 June 2018 for participants in Scotland and National Operating Authorities.