It hasn’t been the easiest few years for young people. From the ongoing aftermath of the pandemic to the anxieties of the cost-of-living crisis, the future doesn’t always feel certain.
But, in nearly seven decades of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), we’ve learnt one thing: never doubt what young people can do. Time and time again, we’ve seen that when young people are given the chance to prove to themselves what they’re capable of, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
We’re here to celebrate and champion every young person. To provide a safe environment of support and challenge that grows as they do.
Whatever their ability, interest or background, DofE offers young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back. Our Founder HRH Prince Philip once said: “There is more in you than you might think.” And, here at the DofE, we help you realise that.
Welcome to the DofE. Welcome to Youth Without Limits.
DofE at 70
Our 70th anniversary is a chance to celebrate our achievements – and the incredible volunteers and supporters who make them possible.
What we do
DofE is open to any young person aged 14-24. Each young person builds their own DofE programmes – picking their own activities and choosing which cause to volunteer for – in order to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Award. The DofE is run in schools, youth clubs, hospitals, fostering agencies, prisons, sports clubs and more, all over the UK and internationally.
Who we are
From our DofE UK Youth Ambassadors to Trustees, our people are key to keeping the DofE innovative and accessible to all.
Our strategy and impact
Our 2026-31 strategy, World Ready: Unlocking enrichment for every young person sets out to equip young people with the tools they’ll need to navigate an age of global upheaval.
Our history
HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, first considered the idea of a national programme to support young people’s development in 1954 at the request of his inspiring former headmaster, Kurt Hahn.
Work for us
As a charity, we aim to offer a workplace that develops people personally and professionally, supporting them to build their skills, broaden their experience, and progress in their careers. We actively promote workforce wellbeing and encourage staff to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
