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HomeLocal noticeboardsScotlandLocal newsDofE Scotland – Adult Network Conference 2026
21/03/2026

DofE Scotland – Adult Network Conference 2026

Our annual Adult Network Conference took place on 19 March 2026 at Rothes Hall, Glenrothes. Hosted by our fantastic DofE Youth Ambassadors, Clara and William, the event welcomed almost 100 DofE Leaders from organisations across Scotland.

Two DofE Youth Ambassadors stand at a podium displaying the DofE Scotland logo, presenting to an audience from a conference stage. A microphone and lectern are positioned in front of them, with a laptop on a nearby table. Blue and green stage lighting illuminates the backdrop curtains, while attendees seated in the foreground watch the presentation.

Youth Ambassador hosts – William and Clara.

Helen Anderson, Director for Scotland, opened the conference by thanking Leaders for their dedication and commitment to delivering the Award within their organisations. In recognition of the DofE’s 70th anniversary, Leaders were presented with a commemorative certificate celebrating their invaluable contribution to championing young people and providing life-changing opportunities.

A speaker stands behind a podium displaying the DofE Scotland logo, addressing an audience from a stage at an indoor event. Blue and green stage lighting illuminates the backdrop curtains, while a microphone stand and a table with a laptop are positioned nearby. DofE and Youth Without Limits branding is visible around the stage area as the presentation takes place in a conference-style venue.

Helen Anderson – Director, Scotland

DofE Operations Officer, Connor along with Youth Ambassador, Maisie, facilitated representatives from Edinburgh Council, The Hut, and Renfrewshire Council for a Youth and Leader Panel discussion. The panel shared insights into their experiences of DofE and the positive impact it continues to have on young people and communities.

A panel discussion takes place on stage at a DofE Scotland event, with seven panellists seated behind a long table facing an audience. Microphones, water bottles and event materials are arranged on the table, while DofE Scotland and Youth Without Limits branding is displayed on illuminated cubes and bunting across the front of the stage. Blue and green lighting highlights the backdrop curtains as attendees watch from round tables in the conference hall.

Youth and Leader Panel discussion

June Ford, Community Learning and Development Youth Work and DofE Manager for North Lanarkshire Council, presented a video featuring DofE participants Corey, Craig, Sam and Chloe. The young people spoke about how North Lanarkshire ensures that all young people have access to the Award, including those who are care experienced. Their stories highlighted how inclusive DofE opportunities help young people develop confidence, build connections, and create positive change within their communities.

A speaker stands at a podium displaying the DofE Scotland logo, delivering a presentation on a stage in a large conference venue. A microphone is positioned beside the lectern, and blue stage lighting illuminates the dark backdrop curtains. A table with presentation equipment sits nearby, while DofE branding is prominently featured at the front of the stage.

June Ford – North Lanarkshire Council

Throughout the day, Leaders participated in a range of engaging workshops, including:

  • Additional Support Needs Network
  • It’s Not Just What We Do, It’s How We Do It
  • A Pathway to Expedition Excellence
  • Growing Your Volunteer Team
  • Centre Support in Action
  • Tools for Aligning DofE with Management Priorities
Participants sit around three circular tables during a DofE workshop in a conference room. Colourful building bricks are spread across the tables as part of a group activity, while a facilitator stands beside the group. A presentation screen displays discussion prompts and a DofE banner reading “Life-Changing Stuff” stands nearby. Notebooks, drinks, and laptops are visible as participants take part in a collaborative discussion.

Workshop

A collaborative networking marketplace was held during lunch, providing Leaders with opportunities to connect with partners including Awards Network, Vango, and Lyme Resource Centre. Delegates also met Youth Ambassadors Clara, William, Emma and Maisie to learn more about the Youth Ambassador Programme and the impact of youth voice within DofE.  An interactive eDofE Helpdesk, hosted by the IT Support Team, was available throughout the session, offering assistance, guidance and training to Leaders.

Four DofE Youth Ambassadors sit behind an information table at an indoor event venue. The table is covered with DofE Scotland and Youth Without Limits bunting and displays leaflets, posters, pens, a clipboard, and a purple DofE bucket hat. The volunteers wear DofE-branded clothing and lanyards, with a brick wall backdrop behind the stand. Visible materials promote DofE opportunities and activities for young people.

DofE Youth Ambassadors

Returning to the main session, delegates heard from Youth Ambassador Emma, who reflected on her journey from DofE participant to Leader. Her story showcased the enduring impact of the Award and the valuable opportunities it creates for young people to develop, lead and support others.

Attendees sit at round tables in a large conference hall while watching a presentation on a stage at a DofE Scotland event. Two large screens display a slide titled “From Participant to Leader,” featuring a DofE Youth Ambassador. The stage is lit with blue and green lighting and includes DofE Scotland and Youth Without Limits branding, while participants take notes and listen from tables arranged across the venue.

Emma’s journey

The day concluded with the ever-popular DofE Quiz, putting Leaders’ knowledge of all things DofE to the test and rounding off a highly successful and enjoyable event.

A large group of attendees gathers in a conference hall for a group photo during a DofE event. In the foreground, two DofE Youth Ambassadors wearing lanyards stand on a stage taking a selfie with a smartphone, while dozens of participants and staff members pose behind them. Round tables are arranged throughout the venue, and the spacious hall features a wooden floor, tiered seating, and event activities taking place in the background.

Capturing the day!

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