A young woman with long, dark hair wearing a black jacket and a white headband stands outdoors, smiling slightly. She has a large backpack secured to her back, which includes an orange sleeping bag. The background features greenery and trees, suggesting a natural setting.

Our impact

Impact is at the heart of our charity – through DofE, we empower young people to positively impact their own lives, prospects and their broader communities.

In 2024, we published our first impact report, analysing data from 40,880 participants and using open data methodology to measure the difference taking part in the DofE makes to participants, comparing DofE data with UK-wide youth population data in some key areas.

The results are hugely encouraging, showing that young people who take part in the DofE report improvements in their wellbeing, skills development, community ties and physical activity levels.

Read our Impact Report 2024 Download our Impact Report (PDF)

Impact Report

Our Impact Report considers the difference doing DofE can make to young people across a range of key outcomes. Using an open data methodology, we’ve examined the impact DofE participation can have on young people’s social and emotional development, wellbeing and sense of belonging by comparing participant responses with data for the UK youth population as a whole in key areas. The findings from our 2024 Impact Report suggest that young people experience positive outcomes during their participation in DofE.

Annual Statistics

Our 2024-25 annual statistics reveal that more than 342,000 young people across the UK started their DofE last year. Participants gave a staggering 5.2 million hours of volunteering as part of their DofE activities, the first time the charity has reached 5 million volunteering hours and a huge jump of 10.6% on 2023-24.

Annual Report

In the fourth year of our Youth Without Limits strategy, we’ve once again seen young people take up DofE in record numbers. This year we’ve celebrated one million DofE journeys started – nearly two years ahead of our target.

Annual Report 2024
Annual Report 2023

Youth Without Limits strategy

DofE believes in young people, in their innate value and infinite potential. Our 5-year strategy is determined to celebrate and champion every young person. To provide a safe environment of support and challenge that grows as they do. We support young people of all backgrounds to take on their own challenges, follow their passions and discover talents they never knew they had.

A wide-angle shot of a football pitch, Jack is dressed in black mid-air as they take a powerful shot towards the goal. The ball is seen flying through the air towards the net. Another person, possibly a goalkeeper, stands near the goal in the background. The pitch is surrounded by a metal fence, with advertising boards and leafless trees behind it under a cloudy sky.

I really think the DofE course can be used as a mental health support for sure. I feel more energised and like I’m more active on a daily basis.

Jack

Gold Award holder

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Our impact

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