The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

What's the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an awards programme which gives young people the chance to make friends, have fun and build confidence in an empowering, exciting and non-competitive learning environment. It's delivered by a number of licensed providers across the UK and Scouts is one of the biggest.

What do you get from it?

By taking part, young people build on a huge range of practical and character skills – like resilience, problem-solving, team-working and drive – and come out the other side with a stronger sense of self. It's something really brilliant to put on their CV, or to talk about in their university and job applications.

What does it involve?

Young people build their own custom DofE programme: choosing from a range of skills-based challenges, physical activities, volunteering opportunities and expeditions to suit their interests and goals. As part of their Gold Award, they also take part in a residential activity.

How does it link to the Scout programme?

Scouts can complete their DofE while they're in Explorers or Network, linking their achievements to the Chief Scout’s Platinum, Diamond and King’s Scout Awards, as well as the Young Leaders' Scheme.

How old do you need to be?

At Scouts, DofE is a part of our Explorer and Network programme, so members must be 13.5 years old to start working on their awards.

Subject to this minimum age, you can start the Bronze and Silver award in the school year you turn 14 and 15 respectively.

Gold has a minimum age of 16. All activities must be completed by a young person's 25th birthday. 

Got any queries?

If you have any questions, please do talk to your leader, County or District DofE Lead or email dofe@scouts.org.uk.