Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke
of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical,
cultural and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and
social development of young people aged 14-25, regardless of gender, background
or ability. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to
undertake exciting, constructive, challenging and enjoyable activities in their
free time.
It is a five-Section Programme
with three progressive levels:
- Bronze (for those aged 14 and over) [Can be completed in parallel with the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award]
- Silver (for those aged 15 and over) [Can be completed in parallel with the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award] and
- Gold (for those aged 16 and over). [Can be completed in parallel with the Queen Scout’s Award]
The sections involve:
Volunteering (helping other people in the
local community)
Expeditions (training for, planning and
completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle)
Skills (covering almost any hobby, skill
or interest)
Physical (sport, dance and fitness)
Residential (Gold Award only) (a
purposeful enterprise with people not previously known to the participant)
D of E and Scout Awards
Doing your DofE
As a member of The Scout Association you can achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) as well as Scouting Awards. This is done through being a member of an Explorer Scout Unit or the Scout Network.
DofE programmes and Scout Awards
The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award, the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award and the Queen’s Scout Award have similar requirements to the Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Awards.
Why do both?
Why not? By registering for the DofE and The Scout Association you can gain twice the recognition for the efforts you put in. The DofE is the world’s leading youth achievement award. Both are recognised and highly respected by potential employers, colleges and universities. Should you move area, for university or work etc. you can continue with your DofE within Scouting in your new area.
Choosing your level
Bronze (14+ years old)
To achieve your Bronze Award, you need to complete the following sections:

Chief Scout’s Platinum Award (14+ years)
In addition to the above you need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts/Scout Network for at least six months.
- Complete six nights away, four of which must be camping.
- Also complete two activities as an Explorer Scout/ Scout Network member from the lists available on www.scouts.org.uk/ive (each should be from a different list).
Silver (15+ years old)
To achieve your Silver Award, you need to complete the following sections:

Chief Scout’s Diamond Award (15+ years)
In addition to the above you need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts/Scout Network for at least 12 months (this can include time spent working on the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award).
- Complete twelve nights away, eight of which must be camping (this can include nights away counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award).
- Complete two activities as an Explorer Scout/Scout Network member from the lists available in www.scouts.org.uk/ive (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award)
Gold (16+ years old)
To achieve your Gold Award, you need to complete the following sections:
Queen’s Scout Award (16+ years)
In addition to the above you need to complete the following:
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts/Scout Network for at least 18 months (this can include time spent working on the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- Complete eighteen nights away, twelve of which must be camping (this can include nights away counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- Complete two activities as an Explorer Scout/Scout Network member from the lists available in www.scouts.org.uk/ive (each should be from a different list and not the same activities as those undertaken for the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond Awards).
- On completion of the above a presentation should be made to a suitable audience, this should demonstrate your achievements so far in working towards the Queen’s Scout Award.
Further information and a participant’s guide can be downloaded from www.scouts.org.uk/qsa.
Sign up
Click here to download the enrolment form to get started on your D of E Award.
Please return the completed forms to Jo Hawtin, 11A Vicarage Road, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 2EL
More Information
Various
training packages and support for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are available
for leaders and young people. Initial support should be sought by contacting
the Assistant county Commissioner for D of E, Jo Hawtin at dofe@oxonscouting.org.uk
If you would like to attend a national course about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, then read on below, there are also courses available for those that are interested in becoming an expedition assessor, speak to Jo and check out the dates below.
To find out more about DofE, visit the Scout Associations pages by clicking here, or the DofE home page by clicking here.

Check back here to find out more about e-DofE
Introduction to the DofE course
Introduction
to the DofE course are running across England in different geographical areas
(these do not always correspond to Scouting Regions). Please see below for
dates and locations:
Saturday
9th October, County Scout Centre Winchester Road, Blaby, Leicestershire LE8 4HN
21 Nov, British Red Cross HQ, Winnall Close, Winchester, SO23 0LB
South
East England
There will be a cost of £15 per person; which will cover the cost of course materials, refreshments and lunch. Download an application form here. Applications for courses will close 1 week before the course.
Expedition Assessor Accrediation Scheme (EAAS)
The aim
of EAAS is to prepare, train and accredit assessots to undertake expedition
assessments. are running across England in different geographical areas (these
do not always correspond to Scouting Regions). Please see below for dates and
locations:
East
Midlands (England)
Sunday
10th October, County Scout Centre Winchester Road, Blaby, Leicestershire LE8
4HN
East
of England
Greater
London (England)
South
West England
24 Oct, British Red Cross HQ, Winnall Close, Winchester, SO23 0LB
South
East England
There
will be a cost of £15 per person; which will cover the cost of course
materials, refreshments and lunch. Download an application form here.
Applications are still open for all September courses; so please send the form to
us if you would like to attend but have missed the application deadline.
