Volunteering

There are lots of different volunteering options within Scouts – including being a young leader or adult volunteer delivering adventurous activities – and in the wider community.

If you're volunteering within Scouts, you'll need to complete relevant volunteer learning, or a minimum of Module A of the Young Leaders' Scheme, depending on how old you are.

For Young Leaders, this needs to be evidenced on eDofE for the first level of award - this could be a certificate, a comment from their Leader or for it to be mentioned in the assessor report. This also means we are complying with our responsibilities under Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) and ensures our young volunteers understand their responsibilities.

Please note while we encourage young leaders/adult volunteers to complete additional modules for subsequent levels of the award, this is not a requirement.

If you cannot access modules locally or need support please email dofe@scouts.org.uk

Finding opportunities if you're under 16 can be tricky, though. And aligning these with to specific interests and goals may take a little while, so it's always wise to start searching early.

The DofE opportunity finder is a great place to begin: it's jam-packed with opportunities listed by Approved Activity Providers or Licensed Organisations for the DofE.

Volunteering ideas

Volunteering checklist:

You've agreed your activity with your leader before getting started and you've found a suitable assessor
You're volunteering hours average at an hour a week
You're volunteering for a charity, not for profit or community interest company
You'll be able to show progression over your time volunteering

Leader Notes

Whichever activity they choose needs to be approved by their DofE leader first.
Training shouldn't take up more than a quarter of their volunteering time.
They can't volunteer for a private company and they should avoid taking on volunteering roles which would take the place of a paid one.
If they're volunteering within Scouts, they'll need to complete relevant volunteer learning, or a minimum of Module A of the Young Leaders' Scheme, depending on how old they are.
They should be given a copy of the Orange Card (Young People First for Young Leaders) and be made aware of the resources available to them if they're volunteering as an Explorer Scout Young Leader.

Young People First

The Orange Card is a code of practice for young people. As Scouts, it's our policy to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from neglect and from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

Current opportunities available for the Volunteering Section

Young people choose activities for each section of the DofE that are specific and relevant to them. Here is a list of activities and opportunities that are currently being offered to help create your individual DofE programme.

Some opportunities on this page are external to Scouting. Participants/parents/carers booking onto any opportunities should confirm the opportunity meets the criteria of the section they are completing and should follow policies and procedures if the provider as well as following Scouting Safeguarding guidelines.

Staying safe and safeguarding | Scouts

Following rules and policy | Scouts

If you have an opportunity you think would benefit others and would like to share, please send the details to dofe@scouts.org.uk.

DofE Opportunity Finder

The DofE have lots of opportunities for each section on their website

Find an opportunity here

Ideas for Activities

The DofE have ideas for activities for all sections on their website

Find ideas here

Funding opportunities

Check out the details of available funding, eligibility criteria and how to apply on the DofE website.

Find funding here