The UK Youth Ambassador Programme is a 12-month commitment. On average, you will need to set aside six hours per month for the role. We also expect Youth Ambassadors to engage with our weekly programme updates. If you are currently completing your Silver or Gold Award, the role can be used towards your Volunteering section.

The monthly online skills building workshops and focus groups run during the evenings (usually on a Wednesday or Thursday from 6.30pm – 8.00pm) which we hope will minimise the impact on your studies, work or social life. There may be additional time commitments for any creative projects or events you are involved with, but there is no expectation to engage in or attend all of these.

We use an online platform called Slack to communicate with Youth Ambassadors during the programme. After you have been offered a place on the programme, returned your consent forms, and attended the online welcome session – you will receive an invite to join the Slack group. We use Slack to share our weekly updates and provide details of new opportunities. We have dedicated channels within the group for specific events, workshops and focus groups, so you only receive the information that is relevant to you.

There are several in-person events which all UK Youth Ambassadors will be invited to attend. These include the Gold Award Celebrations, Youth Without Limits Live, Body Talk public speaking training and the team building activity day. Sometimes, events only require a small number of Youth Ambassadors. If these are UK wide or international events, we usually share the opportunity with everyone to determine availability and interest in attending.

If the event involves working with a specific team, like External Affairs, we also consider which Youth Ambassadors have a particular interest / passion in the relevant area. If it is a regional event, we will prioritise local Youth Ambassadors first. We aim to ensure an equal number of opportunities throughout the programme, and all Youth Ambassadors will be given the opportunity to attend at least five in-person events during their time on the programme.

Once you have confirmed your availability to attend an in-person event we will share the details via email to add to your calendar. We will also arrange an online briefing call, at a time that suits you, with the team running the event, alongside any other Youth Ambassadors attending.

The DofE Youth Ambassador staff team will book your transport and accommodation (if required) in advance. Often food and refreshments are provided at in-person events, but if you do need to purchase any meals, this will be agreed with you in advance, and you will be able to complete an expense claim form to be reimbursed for any additional costs.

We can also write to your school, college, university or employer to request permission for your absence if an event overlaps with your study or work. We will also work with you on a 1-2-1 basis if additional support is required to remove any barriers which may prevent you from being able to attend.

To get the most out of the programme, we encourage you to get involved with as many opportunities as possible. We recognise that Youth Ambassadors have commitments outside of the programme, so you will be able to opt-in based on your availability. If you are unable to attend an event, workshop or focus group, we just ask you to let us know. Work and studies will always take priority, and we will work with you to ensure you can make the most out of the programme, whilst effectively managing your time.

All Youth Ambassadors are required to attend the online welcome session on 12 June and the in-person Body Talk public speaking training on 4 July. You will find out more information about what to expect from these sessions in your Welcome Pack, which is shared at the start of the programme.

The UK Youth Engagement Project Manager (Ash) and Project Officer (Ali) will be your designated points of contact throughout the programme, and all communication will come directly from them. Both are contactable via Slack, email or phone between Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. If you require any additional support or reasonable adjustments to ensure the programme is accessible, please speak to Ash or Ali who will be happy to help.

No, you do not need any previous public speaking experience. Sharing your DofE story is one aspect of the role, but there is no expectation for every Youth Ambassador to stand on a stage and present in front of an audience. We are looking for young people who are passionate about the DofE, and there are numerous opportunities to make a difference behind the scenes as well. We will provide training to build your confidence when it comes to public speaking, and whilst there may be several opportunities to speak in front of large audience, there are no expectations for everyone to do this.

The DofE Youth Ambassador staff team will review all the applications once the application window closes on 30 April.

It is important that Youth Ambassadors represent all young people taking part in the DofE across the UK. We will ensure representation from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as a range of backgrounds, religions, cultures, identities, abilities and perspectives. Successful applicants will be passionate about the DofE, willing to share their experiences, and work with others to make positive change. The Youth Ambassadors will be a mix of Bronze, Silver and Gold Award holders.

Successful applicants will be contacted by phone and email week commencing 19 May. Anyone who has been unsuccessful will receive an email by 23 May.